Sweden detains sanctioned tanker after Baltic oil spill

The Swedish Coast Guard detained the tanker Flora 1, suspected of causing a significant oil spill east of Gotland. The agency confirmed the action in a statement on its official website.

The spill, first detected on April 2, covered an estimated 12 kilometres. Authorities quickly identified the vessel as subject to European Union sanctions, though some details, including its flag status, remain unclear.

Carrying 24 crew members, Flora 1 was escorted to a berth near Ystad. Prosecutors have launched a preliminary investigation into potential environmental violations.

Deputy Head of the Coast Guard’s Operational Command, Daniel Stenling, said the operation was coordinated with local police and highlighted heightened security in the Baltic region amid worsening safety conditions.

By Vafa Guliyeva