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Swedish coast guard officials have intercepted a tanker identified as the Sea Owl I, sailing under the flag of the Comoros in the Baltic Sea. This vessel is believed to be part of Russia's so-called 'shadow fleet,' a group of ships used to circumvent international sanctions.

Investigation Underway

In a joint operation with police, authorities boarded the tanker to assess its seaworthiness and investigate its activities. The Sea Owl I is not registered in Sweden, was reportedly flying a false flag, and has been placed on the EU's sanctions list, effective October 24, 2025, due to Russia's ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Safety Concerns Halt Passage

Daniel Stenling, deputy head of the coast guard's operational division, stated that the vessel's passage would not be permitted due to a high risk of safety violations. This indicates significant concerns regarding the ship's operational integrity and compliance with maritime regulations.

Tanker's Recent History

In recent years, the Sea Owl I has been involved in transporting oil products between Russia and Brazil. At the time of its detention, the tanker was carrying no cargo. It had departed from Brazil and was reportedly en route to the Russian city of Primorsk. MarineTraffic data shows the vessel left the port of Santos and was heading towards Tallinn.

Second Incident in Weeks

This incident marks the second such detention of a suspected 'shadow fleet' vessel in the Baltic Sea within a short period. On March 6, Swedish coast guards apprehended the Caffa, a ship sailing under the flag of Guinea, which was also en route to St. Petersburg. The Caffa had an 11-person crew, including ten Russian citizens.

This action highlights ongoing efforts by European nations to monitor and control maritime activities related to sanctioned Russian entities.

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