Watch: Swedish Coast Guard Boards Russian Cargo Ship Caffa, Crew Member Arrested

The Swedish Coast Guard and police seized the 96-meter cargo ship Caffa on Friday, March 6, off the coast of Trelleborg, Sweden, after suspecting it of sailing under a false flag and violating maritime safety rules.

At least one crew member was arrested for alleged violations of the Maritime Law, Ship Safety Act, and use of false documents.

The operation, called Operation Black Coffee, shows Sweden’s strict enforcement of maritime safety and sanctions in its waters.

Authorities carried out the boarding around 3:50 PM local time using a helicopter and a high-speed boat. They tracked the vessel from the air before officers boarded from the stern.

The Caffa, which was previously registered in Guinea, had been under surveillance for suspected registry violations. The ship was traveling from Casablanca, Morocco, to St. Petersburg, Russia, when it was intercepted.

The Coast Guard confirmed on Saturday that a crew member had been arrested for violating maritime safety laws and using forged documents.

Prosecutors have taken over the investigation. Swedish officials have not shared further details about the suspect’s nationality or location.

Inspections aboard the ship revealed serious deficiencies in its condition and operations, said Daniel Stenling, Deputy Chief Operating Officer of the Swedish Coast Guard.

The vessel is now anchored off Trelleborg under supervision, and the Swedish Transport Agency has issued an international usage ban. This prevents the Caffa from leaving until all deficiencies are fixed and it meets safety standards.

The ship had previously carried cereal but was unloaded at the time of the boarding. Additional criminal suspicions have been added, including concerns about its seaworthiness.

The Russian commander of the vessel was also arrested on Saturday night for using a false document, which is considered a serious crime under Swedish law.

The Caffa is part of Russia’s “shadow fleet,” a group of ships that operate to avoid Western sanctions. These vessels are often old, poorly maintained, and have unclear ownership, creating risks for maritime traffic and the environment.

Stenling said the Coast Guard’s responsibility is to enforce maritime regulations and act against vessels that violate safety laws and threaten traffic in Swedish waters.

References: themoscowtimes, the week