The Australian Border Force (ABF) successfully intercepted two foreign fishing vessels in northern Queensland and the Torres Strait, preventing illegal fishing activities. Operation BROADSTAFF, launched last week, aims to disrupt such activities. Community involvement proved crucial, with local reports aiding in monitoring suspicious actions in the region. The operation continues.
U.S. forces intercepted the sanctioned tanker Aquila II in the Indian Ocean after a lengthy pursuit spanning over 10,000 nautical miles. This operation underscores the U.S. commitment to enforcing sanctions against vessels linked to Russia and Venezuela, marking a significant move in maritime law enforcement efforts.
Spanish police have made their largest-ever cocaine seizure at sea, intercepting a vessel with nearly 10 metric tons hidden in a salt shipment from Brazil to Europe. Thirteen individuals were arrested, and authorities recovered 294 bales of cocaine. This operation involved international collaboration to combat drug trafficking.
The U.S. Coast Guard recently seized two oil tankers tied to Venezuela, including the Russian-flagged Marinera, which had previously evaded a blockade. This operation occurred in the North Atlantic, under U.S. coordination, while Russian military vessels were nearby. Homeland Security affirmed the vessels’ involvement in transporting sanctioned oil.
The Skipper, a large crude carrier linked to Venezuela, was seized by the US on December 10 and has arrived at the Galveston Offshore Lightering Area. Kevin Hassett from the White House’s National Economic Council stated that the seized tankers were involved in black market oil trade, emphasizing minimal market impact.
In a significant maritime enforcement action, the Swedish Coast Guard boarded a bulk carrier suspected of dumping waste into the Baltic Sea near Gothenburg. Minister Carl-Oskar Bohlin confirmed the interception on October 23, emphasizing Sweden’s commitment to combating environmental violations and protecting marine ecosystems through vigilant monitoring.
The Australian Border Force intercepted and destroyed two foreign fishing vessels off Western Australia’s coast to crackdown on Indonesian incursions into protected waters. The vessels, suspected of illegal fishing, were seized with 12 fishermen detained. The ABF found over 400 kilos of cucumber and 360 kilos of salt onboard.
Twenty horses were found in terrible conditions on an illegal transport, suspected of being smuggled for fattening and slaughter despite a ban on live exports. Many were sick and weak, crammed into a lorry. Officials at Dover port discovered a downed foal unable to stand. Some horses had to be euthanized due to poor health.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Turkey has pledged cooperation with Spanish and French authorities in investigating a Turkish-owned cargo ship involved in drug smuggling. The vessel, named Ras, was seized 130 miles from Lanzarote with 4,000 kilos of cocaine hidden on board. The interception revealed a sophisticated smuggling operation spanning multiple countries.[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tp9H6k6jHao[/embed]
