Sweden Intercepts Suspected Stateless Vessel in Baltic Waters

Sweden's coast guard took control of a suspected stateless vessel in the Baltic Sea, with investigations underway. The ship, Caffa, allegedly sailing under a false Guinean flag, is on Ukraine's sanctions list. Authorities suspect violations of maritime law, including ownership and seaworthiness issues.

The Swedish coast guard has seized control of a vessel suspected of being stateless in the waters of the Baltic Sea, off the coast of Trelleborg. The operation occurred at 3:50 p.m., amid concerns over the ship's unclear flag status.

According to Swedish authorities, the vessel, named Caffa, was supposedly flying a Guinean flag. However, due to discrepancies noted by the coast guard and conflicting international legislation, it is considered stateless. The vessel, a 96-meter general cargo ship, was further scrutinized when Swedish police suspected it was operating under a false flag.

Sweden's Minister for Civil Defence, Carl-Oskar Bohlin, highlighted that the freighter is listed under Ukraine's sanctions roster. Further suspicion arises from uncertainties regarding the ship's ownership and insurance status, particularly following its recent transition from a Russian to a Guinean flag. The coast guard is also probing potential breaches of maritime law related to the ship's seaworthiness.

(With inputs from agencies.)