French Authorities Board Ship Linked to Russia’s “Shadow Fleet”
The French military has intercepted a vessel believed to be associated with Russia’s clandestine shipping operations. Reports indicate that the captain and first mate were taken into custody.
Brest Prosecutor Stephen Kellenberger confirmed the arrests, stating that the individuals claimed to be the captain and an assistant but failed to provide evidence regarding the ship’s nationality or comply with directives. Consequently, their detention has been prolonged.
The vessel, known variously as the “Boracay” or “Pushpa,” often sails under a Beninese flag and is currently under European Union sanctions directed at Russia. It reportedly departed from Primorsk, a Russian oil terminal, on September 20, traversed the Danish coast, and moved towards Saint-Nazaire in western France over the past weekend, as per marine traffic data.
French naval forces were initially obstructed by the ship due to suspicions of illicit activities, according to military officials. Brest prosecutors have launched an investigation, noting that the crew reportedly “refused to cooperate” and did not adequately justify the ship’s flag.
The ship was located approximately 50 nautical miles south of Copenhagen, with tracking data indicating it was seen heading south along Denmark’s west coast on September 24. During this time, drones were spotted approaching several local airports.
“We extend our gratitude to our naval commanders and the French Navy personnel for their intervention regarding this tanker from the Russian Shadow Fleet this past weekend. We are now anchored in Saint-Nazaire as part of an ongoing investigation,” said a military spokesperson.
French President Emmanuel Macron commented on the situation, noting that there were serious infractions by the crew, thereby initiating a legal process. He emphasized that this incident sheds light on the operations of Russia’s “Shadow Fleet,” which is believed to contribute to Russia’s financial resources by circumventing sanctions, supporting nearly 40% of the Kremlin’s military initiatives in Ukraine.
Often composed of older tankers, the “shadow fleet” is said to be owned by entities in countries with lax regulations. These ships are used to assist Russian oil exporters in evading price caps imposed by nations backing Ukraine.
