Two Limpet Mines Found on Hull of LPG Tanker Arrhenius at Ust-Luga, Russia

Two magnetic limpet mines were discovered on the hull of the Liberian-flagged LPG tanker Arrhenius (26,645 DWT) during a routine hull inspection at the Port of Ust-Luga, Russia, on May 25. The mines were neutralised without detonation.

Arrhenius had arrived at Ust-Luga on May 20 from Antwerp, with a delay of several days from its planned schedule, to load LPG bound for Samsun, Turkey. FSB divers conducting the inspection found two magnetic limpet mines in the area of the engine room, each containing approximately 7 kilograms of explosives.

The mines were neutralised by the FSB in cooperation with the Russian Ministry of Defence and National Guard.

The crew remain aboard and the vessel is anchored outside the port pending investigation. A criminal case has been opened on charges of an attempted terrorist act.

No injuries were reported. Investigation is ongoing under Russian federal authority.