Paris: French police have detained the captain of a Russian-sanctioned tanker suspected of operating within Moscow’s so-called “shadow fleet,” officials confirmed Thursday. The vessel, named Boracay, was boarded last Saturday by a French Navy frigate off the coast of Ouessant, a strategic location in western France. The operation forms part of a broader investigation into vessels operating without proper registration or in violation of international sanctions.
The tanker’s captain, a Chinese national, along with the first officer, was taken into custody for failing to provide proof of the ship’s nationality and for refusing to comply with the orders of French maritime authorities during inspection. The Brest Prosecutor’s Office, overseeing the case, clarified that only the captain will face prosecution for noncompliance, while the first officer has been released. A hearing for the captain is scheduled for February 23, 2026.
The Boracay has been closely monitored since it departed Russia’s Primorsk port on September 20. It was previously observed near Copenhagen, Denmark, on September 22, during a period of reported drone activity that temporarily closed the city’s airport. The vessel continued south along Denmark’s western coast before approaching French waters, attracting the attention of both Danish and French authorities.
President Emmanuel Macron welcomed the French Navy’s intervention, emphasizing the scale and significance of Russia’s shadow fleet, estimated to comprise between 600 and 1,000 vessels. “It is crucial to understand the operations of these ships, which are central to Moscow’s covert maritime business and sanction-evasion strategies,” Macron said, praising the navy’s vigilance and investigative efforts.
The Kremlin responded cautiously, asserting it had no information regarding the vessel while criticizing foreign interventions as “provocative actions.” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov noted that the Russian military occasionally responds to such incidents to restore order.
The Boracay remains anchored off the French coast as authorities continue their investigation. Analysts suggest that the probe could shed light on the broader network of vessels operating outside standard regulatory frameworks, highlighting growing international concerns over maritime enforcement and the enforcement of sanctions.