French authorities are currently investigating the oil tanker Boracay, which is subject to sanctions and is suspected of being part of Russia’s “shadow fleet.” The vessel was among four Russia-linked ships present near Denmark at the time of drone sightings on September 22 and 24, which led to airport closures.
Boracay, carrying 750,000 barrels of crude oil from the Russian oil terminal in Primorsk to Vadinar, India, was intercepted by a French naval vessel as it was en route and diverted to Saint-Nazaire for further investigation. The investigation began due to the crew’s inability to justify the vessel’s nationality and their refusal to cooperate.
The tanker had recently changed its name from Pushpa and was reported to be operating under a Benin flag. Danish officials noted that the drone incidents occurred shortly before the tanker was intercepted, and they are exploring the theory that the drones were launched from a vessel. Following the sightings, Copenhagen airport was closed for four hours, and Aalborg airport was closed two days later. Danish authorities have not definitively identified the drones or assigned blame, although they have indicated a suspicion towards Russia.
In related events, military sites in northern Germany were also reportedly surveyed by drones, believed to be reconnaissance missions, as noted in a recent Der Spiegel report. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen remarked on the broader context of these incidents, suggesting Europe faces a “hybrid war,” with Russia identified as the primary threat.
The Boracay is under sanctions imposed by the UK, EU, and other nations, in light of its involvement in carrying Russian oil. The shadow fleet refers to vessels that operate under opaque identities, assisting in the clandestine trade of oil and goods to circumvent sanctions. Other ships, such as Astrol-1 and Oslo Carrier-3, were reported to have been in the same vicinity as the drone incidents. The investigation continues as authorities seek to clarify the connections among these vessels and the recent drone activities.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/oct/01/france-oil-tanker-russia-drone-denmark