On Wednesday, French troops boarded the Russian tanker Boracay, suspected of belonging to a shadow fleet used for illicit oil transport, leading to the arrest of the vessel’s captain and first‑mate and an investigation in Brest.
Tanker Crew Arrested Amid Ownership Dispute
French media reported that soldiers entered the tanker Boracay, which is suspected of being part of Russia’s so‑called shadow fleet used to move oil illegally and evade sanctions. Two crew members, the captain and his deputy, were arrested for failing to provide proof of the ship’s ownership and for not following issued orders.
Tanker May Have Been a Drone Launch Pad
Politico notes that the tanker could have played a role in last week’s drone intrusion into Danish airspace, with the vessel alleged to have served as a launch point for drones that emerged over Denmark.
Denmark’s Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, declined to comment on specific investigations but highlighted Europe’s ongoing struggle with shadow fleets in the Baltic Sea. French President Emmanuel Macron said a “very important operation” related to the Boracay is underway and that the crew committed serious offences warranting legal action. The Copenhagen summit discussed protecting critical infrastructure and strengthening European defence.
Unidentified Drones Detected in Denmark
Since 22 September, Denmark has recorded unidentified drone activity that closed airports in Copenhagen and Oslo. Towards the end of September, a Russian ship with shut‑down transmitters was spotted off the Danish coast, suspected of being a base for drone incursions.
An informal summit in Copenhagen is still underway to address the recent incidents.
