French Navy Intercepts Russian Tanker Amid Drone Suspicion

The French Navy has intercepted an oil tanker named Boracay, flagged under Benin, which is linked to Russia's shadow fleet. This operation occurred during a series of mysterious drone flights observed over Denmark.

The vessel, measuring 244 meters in length, is suspected of being involved with the recent drone activity reported near Danish military installations and airports. According to the French prosecutor's office, two high-ranking crew members, including the captain and the first officer, have been taken into custody.

Tracking data indicated that the Boracay was stationed off the Danish coast from September 22 to September 25, coinciding with multiple reports of drones spotted over critical infrastructure in the region. These sightings prompted temporary airport closures across Denmark.

Reports suggest that the tanker could have served as a potential launch platform for the drones or as a diversionary tactic. French President Emmanuel Macron referred to the crew's actions as "serious offenses" during an EU summit in Copenhagen, although he did not explicitly confirm the tanker's connection to the drone incidents. The interception took place on a Saturday, as confirmed by military sources.

In response to these developments, the public prosecutor's office in Brest has initiated an investigation. The Boracay, also known by the names Pushpa and Kiwala, had previously been added to the EU sanctions list under the name Kiwala in February. Currently, the ship is anchored off Saint-Nazaire on France's western coast.

Understanding Russia's Shadow Fleet

The Boracay is part of what is known as Russia's shadow fleet--a network of aging tankers that enable Moscow to circumvent Western oil export sanctions. This fleet allows Russia to continue exporting crude oil despite the restrictions imposed following its invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The European Union has sanctioned hundreds of these vessels, many of which operate under cheap flags, such as that of Benin, and often exhibit substandard safety measures. Tracking data has revealed that the Boracay departed from the Russian port of Primorsk near Saint Petersburg on September 20 and was scheduled to arrive in Vadinar, northwest India, on October 20.

Increasing Drone Activity in Scandinavia

Drone incidents in Scandinavia have surged recently, with several sightings also reported in Germany, including in the capital of Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel. Coordinated drone swarms have been observed flying over critical infrastructures such as military shipyards, power plants, and the North-Sea-Baltic Canal. Police officials noted that the drones were flying in parallel paths, indicating potential systematic reconnaissance operations.

In Denmark, numerous airports and the Skrydstrup Air Force base have also experienced drone overflights. Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen referred to these activities as a "systematic operation" and ruled out the possibility of hobbyist drone pilots being involved. The Danish government is treating these coordinated flights as a form of hybrid attack. The exact capabilities that make the Boracay suitable for drone operations remain unclear, although modern tankers typically have ample deck space and power supply to support larger unmanned systems.

Legal Framework for the Interception

The legalities surrounding the boarding of a ship flying a foreign flag are complex under international law. France can invoke EU sanctions regulations that empower member states to inspect vessels suspected of evading sanctions. Furthermore, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) permits boarding and searching of ships under specific circumstances.