French Authorities Detain Captain and First Officer of Sanctioned Tanker Boracay Suspected of Operating for Russia’s ‘Shadow Fleet’
French police have arrested the captain and first officer of a sanctioned tanker suspected of operating for Russia’s “shadow fleet,” authorities said on Thursday, after the navy boarded the vessel. The Boracay, which has been sanctioned by Britain and the European Union, was approximately 50 nautical miles south of Copenhagen on September 22 when drone activity forced the closure of the city’s airport.
According to data from MarineTraffic, the vessel was also observed heading south along Denmark’s western coast on the evening of September 24 when drones were reported flying north of Esbjerg and near several nearby airports. The incident has raised concerns about Russia’s alleged involvement in recent drone incidents around Denmark.
Investigation Underway; Authorities Tight-Lipped About Probe
Brest Prosecutor Stephane Kellenberger, whose office is handling the investigation into the Boracay, said in a statement that the two people in custody had identified themselves as the ship’s captain and its first officer. They are accused of failing to provide proof of the vessel’s nationality and failing to comply with orders, and their detention has been extended.
Although President Emmanuel Macron has welcomed the probe into the vessel, estimating that Russia’s “shadow fleet” contains 600 to 1,000 ships, French authorities have been tight-lipped about the investigation. The Boracay left the Russian port of Primorsk on September 20, according to MarineTraffic data.
International Pressure Mounts; Macron Calls for Action
Macron said Thursday it was important to get to the bottom of what happened in Denmark, adding that Russia’s shadow fleet represents an important part of Moscow’s business model and pressure should be placed upon it. The Kremlin has denied any involvement in the drone incidents, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov describing foreign countries’ actions as “provocative.”
The incident highlights the ongoing tensions between Western nations and Russia over its alleged use of a “shadow fleet” to circumvent international sanctions. As the investigation continues, international pressure is mounting for action against Russia’s suspected activities.
This investigation into the Boracay and its crew underscores the complexities of international maritime law and the geopolitical tensions surrounding Russia’s activities in the region.
Original Article: France arrests captain, first officer of detained tanker thought to be part of Russia’s ‘shadow fleet’ — Nbcnews