Spanish police have made a historic drug bust, seizing 30 tons of cocaine from the ship Arconian off the Canary Islands. The operation, conducted with U.S. and Dutch authorities, led to the detention of the 23-member crew. The cocaine’s value exceeds €812 million, surpassing previous European records.
Spanish authorities intercepted a vessel in the Atlantic Ocean, seizing the largest cocaine shipment in the country’s history, estimated at 35 to 40 tonnes. The operation, executed by the Civil Guard on May 1, resulted in the arrest of approximately 20 individuals aboard, marking a significant achievement in combating drug trafficking.
The Swedish Coast Guard has seized a tanker in the Baltic Sea, believed to be part of Russia’s shadow fleet. The Syrian-flagged vessel, Jin Hui, was boarded south of Trelleborg, prompting an investigation into its seaworthiness. Authorities suspect it operates under a false flag, violating international regulations.
Suspected pirates have hijacked the St. Kitts and Nevis-flagged cargo vessel, the Sward, off Somalia’s coast, marking a resurgence of piracy in the region. The vessel, en route from Suez to Mombasa, was seized near Godobjiran. The crew of 15, including two Indians, is currently believed to be under pirate control.
The United States has seized an Iranian cargo ship attempting to breach its blockade, leading Iran to threaten retaliation. This escalation jeopardizes the fragile ceasefire, set to expire soon. With Iran declining further negotiations, concerns about lasting peace intensify, while global oil prices continue to rise amid ongoing tensions.
The European monitoring operation is investigating a suspected pirate group after the hijacking of the Iranian dhow, Al Waseemi 786. Authorities warn it may be used as a mothership, expanding pirates’ operational range. Despite this, overall piracy activity remains low, with MSCIO advising vessels to stay 200 nautical miles away.
Belgium has seized the oil tanker Ethera, linked to Russia’s shadow fleet and suspected of using false documents, according to Defence Minister Theo Francken. This action aligns with Western sanctions aimed at reducing Russia’s oil revenues post-invasion of Ukraine. The Russian embassy expressed concern over the seizure’s implications.
Denmark’s maritime authority has detained the Iran-flagged container vessel “Nora” due to improper registration. Previously sailing under the Comoros flag, it was not listed in the Comoros registry. The ship, linked to U.S. Treasury sanctions via its former identity as “CERUS,” will remain detained pending verification of its registration.
U.S. forces have intercepted the sanctioned oil tanker VERONICA III in the Indian Ocean, intensifying efforts against the shadow fleet transporting illicit Venezuelan oil. This marks the ninth vessel seized in a campaign extending from the Caribbean to the Indo-Pacific, highlighting a significant commitment to enforcing maritime sanctions globally.
On Saturday, the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency intercepted a foreign cargo vessel near Kuala Baram for violating maritime regulations. Inspections revealed significant infractions, including missing registration documents and an expired shipping license. The vessel, crewed by nine individuals, was escorted for further inquiries, highlighting ongoing efforts to enforce maritime laws.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) and the Australian Border Force commended French Polynesian authorities for seizing about 4.87 tonnes of cocaine, believed destined for Australia. AFP Commander Stephen Jay emphasized collaboration, while Acting Commander Linda Cappello warned that increased regional vigilance heightens risks for drug traffickers exploiting maritime routes.
Three Indian seafarers are among the 28 crew members of the Russian oil tanker Marinera, seized by the US Coast Guard in the North Atlantic. The incident, involving crew from multiple countries, has sparked a diplomatic row between Russia and the US. India has yet to officially respond to the situation.
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.
Finnish police have seized the cargo vessel “Fitburg,” suspected of sabotaging an undersea telecom cable between Helsinki and Estonia. The incident, occurring in the Gulf of Finland, raises alarms amid a series of similar disruptions. The crew has been detained, and NATO countries remain on high alert for potential threats.
The Orissa High Court has ordered the arrest of the Jordanian vessel MV The Patron near Paradip Port due to an admiralty suit by Singapore’s JALDHI Overseas Pte Ltd. The company seeks $202,000 for alleged breaches in a charter agreement, following significant delays caused by the vessel’s engine failure.
