Priority Broadcast Alert – Europe and the Mediterranean

A Sierra Leone-flagged chemical/products tanker was detained by Swedish law enforcement approximately 14NM southeast of Ystad, Sweden, on suspicion of causing an oil spill in the Baltic Sea. The vessel, en route from Primorsk, Russia, to Santos, Brazil, altered speed and course at 04:59 UTC and diverted northbound towards the Swedish coastline. The oil spill was reportedly caused off Gotland, Sweden. AIS transmissions indicated the vessel slowing approximately 29NM southeast of Gotland between 11:25 UTC and 12:23 UTC on 2 April. The vessel was sanctioned by the European Union in July 2025 for its alleged involvement in the export of Russian oil products. At the time of writing, the vessel was continuing to transit towards the Swedish coastline. The Swedish Coast Guard vessel KBV 003 was observed escorting the tanker further into Swedish waters after tailing it from 02:29 UTC on 3 April. This was the second detention carried out by Swedish law enforcement in the Baltic Sea since 6 March, when a Guinea-flagged general cargo vessel en route to Russia was detained for an alleged false flag.<br/>ADVICE: Vessels are advised to maintain a distance from any EU-sanctioned vessel. Drifting in close proximity to these vessels could suggest an attempted sanctions breach. Ambrey advises that shipping companies conduct asset screening assessments for all charter-party agreements, purchases and planned ship-to-ship transfers.<br/>