French authorities have detained two crew members of an oil tanker suspected of being part of Russia’s covert “shadow fleet.” The vessel, named Boracay, was anchored off Saint-Nazaire in western France and is believed to be linked to enigmatic drone flights that disrupted Danish airspace in recent days. President Emmanuel Macron described the crew’s actions as “serious offenses,” although he did not directly implicate Russia in the incident.
The French navy boarded the tanker and detained the captain and first mate, who presented themselves as the ship’s captain and his first mate. The vessel, part of Moscow’s so-called “shadow fleet,” was intercepted off the French coast and is under investigation for sanctions violations and flag irregularities. The crew members are now facing trial in France, with the captain scheduled to appear in court in February.
The Boracay, which was carrying Russian oil to India, was involved in drone incidents around Denmark, leading to the closure of Copenhagen’s airport. The vessel’s activities have raised concerns about Russia’s covert operations and its attempts to circumvent Western sanctions over the Ukraine conflict. The French authorities’ swift action highlights the country’s commitment to upholding international norms and security in the region.
The incident underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in the region, with Russia’s “shadow fleet” posing a challenge to Western security interests. The detention of the crew members and the upcoming trial of the captain signal France’s determination to hold accountable those involved in illicit activities that threaten regional stability.
In conclusion, the detention of the crew members of the suspected “shadow fleet” oil tanker off the French coast highlights the ongoing challenges posed by Russia’s covert operations. The trial of the captain in France underscores the need for international cooperation to address such threats effectively.
References:
1. France investigates suspected ‘shadow fleet’ oil tanker anchored off its coast – [France 24](https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20251001-france-investigates-suspected-shadow-fleet-oil-tanker-anchored-off-its-coast)
2. French navy boards Russia ‘shadow fleet’ ship, detains two – [France 24](https://www.france24.com/en/video/20251001-french-navy-boards-russia-shadow-fleet-ship-detains-two)
3. French troops board oil tanker linked to Russian ‘shadow fleet’ – [BBC News](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx2j1gynjddo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss)
4. French police detain 2 crew members of oil tanker linked to Russia’s shadow fleet – [ABC News](https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/french-police-detain-2-crew-members-oil-tanker-126144271)
5. French court to try Chinese captain of suspected Russian ‘shadow fleet’ tanker – [France 24](https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20251002-france-to-try-chinese-captain-of-russia-shadow-fleet-vessel)
6. Captain of oil tanker linked to Russia’s shadow fleet will face trial in France – [Washington Times](https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2025/oct/2/oil-tanker-captain-linked-russias-shadow-fleet-face-trial-france/)
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