Sweden Detains Second Crew Member As Sanctioned Tanker Sea Owl I Faces False Flag Probe

Swedish authorities have launched a second investigation into the 228-metre tanker Sea Owl I after detaining another crew member on suspicion of using a falsified document.

The case is linked to ongoing concerns that the vessel may have been operating under a false flag while in Swedish waters.

The tanker has been anchored outside Trelleborg since 12 March, after the Swedish Coast Guard boarded it over suspicions it was sailing under a false flag.

The new investigation was opened on 15 May when prosecutors ordered the detention of a second crew member. Authorities say the person is suspected of aggravated use of a false document.

The earlier March operation also led to the detention of the vessel’s then master, a Russian citizen according to prosecutors. He was suspected of aggravated use of a false document and other maritime offences, but was later released.

After that, a new captain took command of the tanker. Documents for a change of flag state were then submitted to the Swedish Transport Agency. However, these documents are also now suspected to be falsified.

The Sea Owl I is on EU sanctions lists. It reportedly sailed under the Comoros flag in March, but Swedish authorities suspected the vessel was not actually listed in the Comoros ship register.

This raised concerns that there was no recognised flag state responsible for safety and oversight of the ship.

The tanker arrived from Santos, Brazil, and was headed for Primorsk, Russia, but was reportedly carrying no cargo. In recent years, it is believed to have transported oil products between Russia and Brazil.

The Swedish Coast Guard said investigations are continuing onboard the vessel, supported by prosecutors and Police Region South’s task force.

The Sea Owl I is a 2007-built oil tanker and has remained stationary off Trelleborg since March while the legal and document checks continue.

Reference: Swedish Coast Guard