France Detains Crew of Tanker Suspected in Russian 'Shadow Fleet' Operations

French authorities have detained the captain and first officer of the oil tanker Boracay, suspected of being part of Russia's 'shadow fleet', after a naval operation off the coast of Saint-Nazaire. The vessel, sanctioned by both the United Kingdom and the European Union, departed from Russia's Primorsk port on September 20. It was intercepted by French Navy commandos over the weekend and is currently anchored off Saint-Nazaire.

Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu acknowledged the operation, stating that the Navy's intervention led to the arrest of two crew members. Brest Prosecutor Stephane Kellenberger confirmed that the individuals in custody identified themselves as the ship's captain and first officer. They are accused of failing to provide proof of the vessel's nationality and not complying with orders; their detention has been extended.

The Boracay was observed near Denmark's western coast between September 22 and 24, coinciding with drone activities that led to the temporary closure of Copenhagen's airport. French and Danish authorities have not commented on any potential connection between the vessel and the drone incidents.

President Emmanuel Macron has expressed support for the investigation, noting that Russia's 'shadow fleet' is estimated to comprise between 600 to 1,000 ships. The Kremlin stated it had no information about the vessel but mentioned that the Russian military occasionally acts to restore order when foreign countries engage in what it describes as 'provocative actions.'