Tanker Crew Detained Off French Coast
French naval forces have detained the captain and first mate of the Boracay, a Benin-flagged oil tanker, off the coast of Saint-Nazaire. The detention occurred over the weekend, following an investigation initiated by the public prosecutor's office in Brest. The crew members were taken into custody on suspicion of 'failure to justify the nationality of the vessel' and 'refusal to cooperate' with authorities. French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed that 'very serious offenses' were committed by the crew, justifying the judicial procedure.
Links to Danish Drone Disruptions
The detention of the Boracay's crew is part of a broader investigation into mysterious drone incursions that caused significant disruptions at several Danish airports and military sites between September 22 and 25. Danish authorities identified the Boracay as one of three vessels potentially involved in launching or supporting these drone operations. On the evening of September 22, when drones forced the closure of Copenhagen Airport, the tanker was reportedly within 70 nautical miles of the Danish capital.
The drone incidents led to temporary closures and flight diversions at airports including Copenhagen, Aalborg, Esbjerg, Sonderborg, Skrydstrup, and Billund. Danish officials have characterized these events as a 'systematic' and 'professional' hybrid attack.
The 'Shadow Fleet' and Sanctions
The Boracay, a 244-meter-long aframax tanker built in 2007, is part of what is known as Russia's 'shadow fleet.' This fleet consists of vessels used to circumvent Western sanctions imposed after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The tanker, which has previously operated under the names Pushpa and Kiwala, has undergone frequent changes in ownership, name, and flag, cycling through four registered owners, five names, and seven flags in the past three years. Hours before the drone incident on September 22, it switched its flag from Malawi to Benin.
The vessel has been blacklisted by both the European Union and the United Kingdom since February 2025 for its involvement in Russia's clandestine oil export network. At the time of its interception, the Boracay was carrying Urals crude from Primorsk, Russia, to Vadinar, India, having departed on September 20.
Macron's Caution and Broader Implications
Speaking at an EU leaders' summit in Copenhagen, President Macron emphasized the gravity of the situation but cautioned against prematurely establishing a direct link between the Boracay and the drone flights. He stated, 'I will remain very careful, as it is not for me to establish such a connection.' Macron highlighted that the incident underscores the existence and reality of 'notorious shadow fleets' which he estimates contribute 'tens of billions of euros' to Russia's budget and finance an estimated '40% of Russia's war effort.'
6 Comments
Eugene Alta
This is just an excuse to target Russian oil, not a genuine security concern.
Noir Black
It's good that authorities are taking the drone threats seriously and investigating all leads. But arresting crew members primarily for 'failure to justify nationality' without more concrete evidence of drone involvement seems a bit premature.
KittyKat
Macron's firm stance is exactly what Europe needs. No more impunity for these rogue operations.
ZmeeLove
These drone attacks are serious. Any vessel even remotely involved needs full investigation.
Bella Ciao
The security implications of drone incursions are alarming, and investigating suspicious vessels is warranted. However, we must ensure due process and avoid escalating tensions based purely on proximity.
eliphas
The article highlights a real problem with Russia's shadow fleet circumventing sanctions, which is definitely a concern. However, connecting this specific tanker's detention directly to the Danish drone incidents feels like a leap without more detailed evidence presented to the public.