Swedish Coast Guard Releases Seized Oil Tanker Suspected of Being Source of Oil Spill
The Swedish Coast Guard announced on Friday that it had released an oil tanker believed to be part of a Russian shadow fleet suspected of being the source of a 12 km oil spill off the island of Gotland. The tanker, identified as Flora 1, was seized in the Baltic Sea and is thought to be one vessel among a larger network of ships used by Moscow to circumvent international sanctions against Russia.
According to MarineTraffic data, the Flora 1 embarked from the Russian port Primorsk with an unclear destination. The oil spill is not expected to reach shore, but the Swedish Coast Guard has launched an investigation into the incident.
Investigation Underway
The Swedish Prosecution Authority has interrogated the crew of the Flora 1 and informed two individuals of a suspicion of environmental crimes. However, no coercive measures have been taken due to the suspected crime, as the spill occurred within Sweden’s economic zone, limiting the investigative measures that can be taken.
The authority has started an investigation regarding a suspected environmental crime and understands that the vessel is on the EU sanctions list, although its flag status remains unclear.
Russian Shadow Fleet Poses Security and Environmental Threat
Swedish Minister for Civil Defence Carl-Oskar Bohlin emphasized the significance of the incident, stating, “The Russian shadow fleet, consisting of older, poorly insured tankers that evade sanctions, poses a significant security and environmental threat.” The government is taking the incident seriously, despite it not being a major oil spill.
Background on Russian Shadow Fleet
The Russian shadow fleet has been used to fund Moscow’s four-year war against Ukraine. European nations, including Sweden, have increased efforts to disrupt the fleet, which Russia has condemned as hostile. The Flora 1 is believed to be part of this larger network of ships, highlighting the ongoing challenge posed by these vessels.
Conclusion
The release of the Flora 1 marks a significant development in the investigation into the oil spill off Gotland. As the Swedish Coast Guard and Prosecution Authority continue their efforts to determine the cause of the spill, the incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing security and environmental threats posed by the Russian shadow fleet.
Original Article: Sweden releases seized oil tanker suspected of being source of oil spill | Reuters — Reuters