On 1 October, France detained a Russian-linked tanker and arrested two crew members on Russian ships. Moscow responded by calling the seizure an act of piracy.
This accusation matters because it challenges the legitimacy of France’s action. Paris acted on suspicions that the vessel launched drones over Denmark. So far, there’s been no trial or legal verdict.
The Tanker That Appeared Where Drones Did
The Boracay was seen sailing near Denmark during recent drone activity that forced airport closures. Danish authorities identified three vessels as possible drone launch sites, including the Boracay.
Intelligence reports suggest that Russia uses tankers like this to launch and control drones targeting European cities. France acted swiftly, sending navy forces to board the ship and detain crew members. The captain faces a trial set for 2026.
On 3 October, the ship resumed its journey, with the captain back at the helm, heading toward the Suez Canal.
A New Category of Maritime Action
Europe now sees these vessels as platforms for hostile activities. The tankers play multiple roles: avoiding oil sanctions, spying, and sabotaging undersea cables.
Last year, the Eagle S cut cables in the Baltic Sea. Finnish authorities suspect the Cook Islands-flagged tanker deliberately dragged its anchor.
Other ships have also damaged vital telecommunications cables and pipelines by dragging anchors over long distances.
France now intercepts these ships before they can cause harm. However, the legal framework is still fuzzy. The European Union has blacklisted the Boracay for sanctions violations, and France has arrested crew members for activities beyond just evading sanctions.
Where Commerce Ends and Conflict Begins
Traditional maritime law makes a clear distinction between military and civilian vessels. Russia’s tankers operate in a gray area, carrying oil but also carrying out actions that threaten critical infrastructure.
The Kremlin denies any involvement in drone operations. Spokesman Dmitry Peskov vaguely described the situation, saying the military sometimes steps in to restore order after “provocative actions” by other countries, avoiding clear confirmation or denial.
France’s decision to try the Chinese captain sends a signal to Moscow and sets a legal precedent. If crew members are convicted for hostile acts aboard civilian ships, other European countries will likely follow suit.
The Uncomfortable Timing Problem
France’s boarding of the Boracay happened the same week Israel intercepted dozens of vessels in the Global Sumud Flotilla. Israeli naval forces stopped 42 boats carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza and detained around 470 activists from more than 40 countries.
This interception took place beyond Israel’s territorial waters. Transport workers and unions called the seizure illegal under maritime law. France’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs requested consular access for French citizens on board and urged Israel to allow their prompt return.
Unlike Paris, there was no condemnation from France or the European Union over Israel’s actions, creating a perception problem.
The Principle That Doesn’t Travel
France bases its Boracay boarding on suspected hostile activity. Israel justifies its flotilla interceptions based on enforcing a maritime blockade. Both happen in waters where legal jurisdiction is complicated.
The key difference is what’s being carried and why. The Russian tanker carries oil and possibly surveillance tools, and
France investigates threats to infrastructure. The flotilla carried humanitarian supplies like food, water, and medicine, with Israel enforcing restrictions on their delivery.
Paris struggles to criticize Tel Aviv when conducting similar boardings itself.
The two cases draw very different international responses: France gets quiet backing from Europe, while Israel faces condemnation from unions and rights groups.
France must confront what truly separates legitimate maritime enforcement from overreach.
Economic Tools in Maritime Form
Russia built this fleet to get around Western oil sanctions. These ships often sail under flags of convenience with questionable insurance and registration.
European Parliament members called for better maritime surveillance and tighter controls back in October 2024.
The fleet earns Moscow money during wartime and also supports intelligence and sabotage missions. These commercial ships move close to undersea cables, ports, and energy infrastructure.
Europe responds by treating these vessels as dual-use assets. The UK activated the Nordic Warden in January 2025 to track threats to undersea infrastructure and monitor Russia’s shadow fleet.
Denmark and Baltic states aim to directly crack down on these sanctions-evading ships.
What Boarding is Signalling
France released the Boracay after three days, but the captain faces trial next year. This highlights Europe’s strategy: detention disrupts activity, while courts build legal legitimacy.
If prosecutors succeed, it will set a precedent allowing future boardings of similar ships. Russia will face growing costs: crew arrests, ship seizures, denied insurance, and port access.
The Water Between War and Peace
Traditional conflict involves military forces, but now it includes commercial ships, drones launched from vessels, and damaged cables. Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo noted Europe is not officially at war, but it is under attack.
Europe is adapting by broadening what counts as legitimate maritime enforcement. Boarding ships suspected of launching drones stretches European authority into uncertain legal zones. Moscow calls this piracy, saying no better law applies.
The upcoming trial will decide if European courts accept this expanded authority. If yes, expect more boardings. If not, Russia will remain confident these vessels operate beyond Europe’s legal reach.
The flotilla seizures complicate France’s stance.
Paris wants its boarding actions recognized as legitimate responses to threats to infrastructure.
Tel Aviv seeks the same for enforcing a blockade.
One stops suspected sabotage; the other stops food deliveries. Without carefully weighing what each boarding prevents, France struggles to clearly separate its actions from Israel’s.
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