TALLINN, May 19 (Xinhua) -- The Estonian Department of Transport has reported that Russia detained a Liberian-flagged oil tanker departing the port of Sillamae following an agreed route through Russian territorial waters.
The Estonian Foreign Ministry confirmed the report on Sunday, noting that the route, chosen for maritime safety and its position beyond strict national boundaries, has been agreed upon by Russia, Estonia, and Finland.
However, after leaving Sillamae on Saturday afternoon, the Green Admire, carrying shale oil and destined for Rotterdam via Finland, was detained by Russia after midnight. The Shipping Management Division of the Department of Transport, which daily monitors the movement of ships in Estonian territorial waters, confirmed the information.
Local reports indicated that the tanker, operated by Greek company Aegean Shipping, is currently anchored off Gogland Island, in the Gulf of Finland in the eastern Baltic Sea. The Estonian Department of Transport described this incident as "unprecedented." In response, the department decided to reroute all vessels entering and leaving Sillamae through Estonian waters.
Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna condemned Russia's action, vowing to inform allies of the incident. Till press time, there is no comment from the Russian side on this incident.
Estonian media unveiled that the incident came after the Estonian Navy attempted to stop an unflagged tanker sailing through Estonian waters last week. The tanker ignored orders to stop and was later escorted by a Russian fighter, which Estonia alleges violated its airspace. Estonian authorities claimed that the unflagged vessel is part of Russia's so-called "shadow fleet." Enditem
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