French Navy Seizes Russian Oil Tanker Linked to Scandinavian Drone Attacks
French authorities have boarded and seized an oil tanker off the Danish coast, suspecting it of involvement in a series of drone incidents targeting critical infrastructure in Scandinavia. The Boracay, a Russian-flagged vessel, was detained by the French Navy following a tip-off from EU intelligence.
The maritime news portal The Maritime Executive has suggested that the tanker may have served as a launch platform for drones or a distraction maneuver. The Boracay was present near Danish coast from September 22 to 25, coinciding with drone sightings over military facilities and airports. The EU has sanctioned hundreds of such tankers, often sailing under flags of convenience and with poor safety standards. The Boracay, part of Russia's 'shadow fleet', is believed to be used to circumvent western oil export sanctions.
The captain and first officer of the Boracay have been arrested and taken into custody. Danish authorities consider the coordinated overflights a hybrid attack. French President Emmanuel Macron referred to 'very serious offenses' by the crew at an EU summit in Copenhagen. France acted under EU sanctions regulations and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which allows boarding of ships sailing under a foreign flag in certain circumstances.
The seizure of the Boracay marks a significant development in the ongoing investigation into drone incidents in Scandinavia. The vessel's role in these incidents is now under scrutiny, and its crew faces potential charges. The EU and its member states remain vigilant against such threats and continue to strengthen their cooperation in countering them.
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