The French military boarded a ship suspected of being part of Russia’s “Shadow Fleet.” Authorities reported that both the captain and first mate were arrested.

Brest Prosecutor Stephen Kellenberger mentioned that the prosecutor’s office is overseeing the case, and the arrested individuals identified themselves accordingly. They reportedly failed to provide proof of the vessel’s nationality or adhered to required orders, leading to an extension of their detention.

The ship, known as “Boracay” or “Pushpa,” has had various names in its history, currently operates under Benin, and is included in EU sanctions aimed at Russia. The vessel left from Primorsk, a Russian oil terminal, on September 20, passed along the Danish coast, and was en route to the port of Saint-Nazaire, France, as per marine traffic data.

French naval personnel initially faced resistance from the ship while investigating suspected illicit activities. Brest prosecutors have confirmed that an investigation has commenced, citing the crew’s “refusal to cooperate” and their inability to justify the ship’s nationality.

The vessel was located about 50 nautical miles south of Copenhagen when drone activities disrupted operations at the city’s airport on September 22. Marine traffic data indicated the ship was seen navigating south along Denmark’s west coast on September 24, with drone activity detected near nearby airports.

“We thank our naval commanders and the French Navy crew for intervening with tankers from the Russian Shadow Fleet this past weekend. We are now anchored in Saint-Nazaire as part of our ongoing investigation,” officials commented.

French President Emmanuel Macron addressed the matter on Wednesday, acknowledging serious misconduct by the crew and indicating a legal process would follow.

He pointed out that this incident sheds light on the operations of the Russian “Shadow Fleet,” which reportedly contributes significantly to Russia’s finances and supports a substantial portion of the Kremlin’s military efforts in Ukraine.

This so-called “shadow fleet” consists of older tankers often acquired by obscure companies based in non-fiscal nations, sailing under their flags. Their mission includes aiding Russian oil exporters in circumventing price caps imposed by nations allied with Ukraine.