Two Russian ship captains have been arrested near Trelleborg, Sweden, as authorities investigate vessels suspected of belonging to Russia's shadow fleet. The bulk carrier Caffa and tanker Sea Owl I remain detained outside the Swedish port following interventions by Swedish police and coast guard authorities.
According to reports from Swedish media, the Russian captain of Sea Owl I is suspected of serious use of false documents. Both vessels are suspected of sailing under false flags and belonging to what is described as Russia's shadow fleet - a network of ships whose revenues reportedly support President Vladimir Putin's war effort in Ukraine.
The Russian captain of Sea Owl I is suspected of serious use of false documents.
The Swedish Transport Agency has reportedly found serious safety deficiencies aboard the ships, leading to their detention. Russian Consul General Denis Karmalskiy has sent an urgent letter to the Transport Agency, claiming that food and fresh water are running out for the crews and demanding assistance under international law.
The Seamen's Church in Malmö provided food to the crew of Caffa during the first week after the ship was boarded. The situation has drawn attention to Sweden's enforcement of sanctions against Russian shipping operations.
Both vessels are suspected of sailing under false flags and belonging to what is described as Russia's shadow fleet - a network of ships whose revenues reportedly support President Vladimir Putin's war effort in Ukraine.
The Swedish Transport Agency has reportedly found serious safety deficiencies aboard the ships, leading to their detention.
Russian Consul General Denis Karmalskiy has sent an urgent letter to the Transport Agency, claiming that food and fresh water are running out for the crews and demanding assistance under international law.