Sweden holds bulk carrier sailing from Russia
Photo: cargo ship (Getty Images)
Swedish law enforcement has detained a bulk carrier en route from Russia after recording the discharge of waste into the Baltic Sea. An investigation into a possible violation of environmental legislation is currently underway, according to the Swedish Coast Guard.
During a patrol of the Baltic Sea, a Swedish Coast Guard aircraft recorded that the vessel Hui Yuan, sailing under the Panamanian flag, was dumping coal residues into the water. Such actions are considered a violation of the Environmental Code.
At the request of the prosecutor’s office, the crew of the vessel KBV 003 inspected the bulk carrier near the city of Ystad in southern Sweden on the morning of April 12.
"The shipping industry should know that Swedish authorities are working close together to maintain order at sea. We are acting to increase maritime safety and protect the environment. If there is a suspicious vessel, we do intervene, based on the prevailing conditions," said Deputy Head of the Coast Guard’s Operational Department Daniel Stenling.
A preliminary investigation has now been launched. The prosecutor has decided to hold a hearing in the case of a possible violation of environmental regulations.
The vessel Hui Yuan is registered in Panama and was traveling from Russia to the Spanish city of Las Palmas.
Earlier in April, Sweden had already detained a vessel linked to Russia over suspicion of polluting the Baltic Sea. The vessel in question was the sanctioned tanker Flora 1, which was anchored near Ystad on April 3 due to a possible oil spill.
However, two days later, the ship was released after no evidence of its involvement in the incident was found.
