Swedish Coast Guard Boards Sanctioned Vessel Suspected of Oil Spill in Baltic Sea

The Swedish Coast Guard has boarded the ship Flora 1 near Ystad following suspicions that it caused an oil spill in the Baltic Sea. This vessel, part of the so-called Russian shadow fleet, has been identified as a source of a 12-kilometer-long oil slick east of Gotland. At least 2,000 liters of oil were released, complicating cleanup efforts in the area.

Flora 1, which is registered in Sierra Leone but with an unclear actual home port, is listed on the EU sanctions list, indicating involvement in transporting Russian oil products. The Coast Guard boarded Flora 1 on Friday morning with assistance from the Police Authority. Two foreign crew members onboard have been questioned and are suspected of violating environmental pollution laws. According to senior prosecutor Frida Molander, necessary interrogations have been conducted, though no coercive measures will be implemented at this time.

This incident marks the third vessel boarded by the Coast Guard in recent weeks due to suspicions of illegal operations linked to EU sanctions violations. Previous boardings involved the bulk carrier Caffa and the tanker Sea Owl, both on the EU sanctions list and whose Russian captains remain detained on suspicion of criminal activity.

Coast Guard press chief Mattias Lindholm highlighted inconsistencies regarding Flora 1’s flag status, a frequent characteristic noted in vessels linked to the shadow fleet. The ongoing investigation considers the patterns of these ships’ involvement in environmental violations and sanction breaches. Further charges may be forthcoming as investigations continue.

The oil spill detected early Thursday during a surveillance flight has raised serious environmental concerns in the Baltic Sea region. The Swedish Coast Guard remains on high alert to prevent further pollution and hold those responsible accountable.

The Coast Guard's decisive response underscores Sweden's commitment to enforcing EU sanctions and protecting the Baltic marine environment against illicit activities.