The Estonian Navy detained a tanker of the Russian "shadow fleet" in the Baltic Sea, which is under EU sanctions. This is reported by Reuters and Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal, reports UNN.
Details
"On Friday, the Estonian Navy detained an oil tanker bound for Russia that is on the EU sanctions list, accusing it of illegally moving without a valid flag," the statement said.
It is reported that the vessel "Kiwala" has been under EU sanctions since February as part of the so-called "shadow fleet" of Russia. According to MarineTraffic, "Kiwala" was heading to Russia at the time of its detention. The ship was flying the flag of Djibouti, but a representative of the Estonian Transport Administration said that Djibouti denies that it is registered there.
The Estonian Navy has detained a vessel that is under sanctions and has no flag. Our authorities are currently on board the vessel, checking its legal status and safety. Estonia takes suspicious activity in the Baltic Sea very seriously
It is noted that the Navy's ships and helicopters were involved in the operation, the ship is being inspected while Estonia is negotiating with Djibouti to clarify the details.
"Due to suspicions that the ship has no flag, the Estonian authorities reacted. The crew and captain cooperated," said Kristian Truu, director of the maritime department of the Estonian Transport Agency.
Recall
Last year, Russia transported more than 60% of its maritime oil exports thanks to the "shadow fleet" of tankers.