High Seas Mystery: French Arrest Chinese Captain Amid Shadow Fleet Allegations

French authorities arrested the Chinese captain of the Boracay, a sanctioned tanker linked to Russia's 'shadow fleet.' Drones disrupted its path in Denmark before French forces boarded it. The captain faces charges as Macron praises the probe, targeting Russia's maritime tactics. The investigation continues.

In a dramatic development, French police have apprehended the Chinese captain of a tanker suspected of being part of Russia's elusive 'shadow fleet.' This arrest comes after the French navy boarded the vessel while it was anchored off western France.

Prior to this, the tanker, named Boracay, had been near Copenhagen on September 22 when drone activities caused the city's airport to close. Its movements were under scrutiny again on September 24 as it sailed past Denmark's western coast when further drone activities were reported in the vicinity.

The French investigation, led by Brest Prosecutor Stephane Kellenberger, revealed discrepancies about the tanker's nationality, concluding it was unflagged. The captain was charged for non-compliance, and President Macron has highlighted the significance of this probe against Russia’s shadow fleet operations, underscoring the need for international pressure.