An oil tanker named Koala has been damaged near the Russian port of Ust-Luga in the Gulf of Finland, according to Russian media outlets Fontanka and Tass.
Tass reported that the vessel is securely moored at the dock.
Alexander Drozdenko, Governor of the Leningrad region, said on Telegram that there is no risk of an oil spill.
"At the Ust-Luga port, a human-caused accident occurred on the Koala tanker during engine startup, resulting in damage to the engine room. The tanker is anchored at the port," Drozdenko said.
Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo (NCP) said on the social media site X that Finland is closely monitoring developments and has heightened its oil spill response readiness as a precaution.
Earlier, Fontanka reported that the tanker was sinking. However, in an updated report, Fontanka cited Russia's Marine and River Transport Agency, which confirmed on Telegram that there is no danger of the vessel sinking.
According to the maritime authorities, the ship's cargo tanks are undamaged, and no leaks have been detected. Inspections are being prepared to examine the vessel's hull underwater to assess the extent of the damage.
Tomi Waltari, field commander for the Finnish Gulf Coast Guard, told Yle in the afternoon that Finland has sent an inquiry to Russian authorities regarding the incident but has not yet received a response.
"Typically, we do get replies to such inquiries," Waltari noted, though he confirmed that they currently lack verified details.
The tanker, which is carrying fuel oil, is sailing under the flag of Antigua and Barbuda. The crew has been evacuated to shore, according to reports from Russian media.
Russia's Ministry of Emergency Situations confirmed that they received alerts about three explosions on the vessel. Authorities are currently investigating the engine room and the cause of the accident.