Reed NewsReed News
Crime & justice1 min

Swedish Coast Guard boards suspected stateless vessel near Trelleborg

Key Points
  • Swedish Coast Guard boarded a suspected stateless vessel near Trelleborg on March 6.
  • The vessel Caffa is under investigation for inadequate seaworthiness under maritime law.
  • Investigative measures are ongoing aboard the vessel, with potential involvement of more authorities.

The Swedish Coast Guard took control of a vessel with unclear flag status, suspected to be stateless, in the Baltic Sea on Sweden's sea territory near Trelleborg. The operation, conducted with support from the Police Authority, began at 15:50. The Coast Guard has initiated a preliminary investigation into suspected violations of maritime law regarding inadequate seaworthiness.

Under national and international legislation, the Coast Guard considers the vessel Caffa, under Guinean flag, as stateless, meaning it was not in innocent passage on Swedish sea territory. Since 16:00, after police and Coast Guard took control, investigative measures are ongoing aboard Caffa, including gathering information, conducting searches, and holding interviews. The operation was planned and proceeded calmly, with boarding by the National Task Force and Coast Guard's national boarding group, along with a police helicopter.

The Coast Guard is processing information from the vessel, which requires time, and more authorities may become involved depending on developments.

Transparency

How we verified this article

HighBased on 23 sources, 1 official
23 sources2 Involved