On March 12, Swedish authorities boarded a tanker in the Baltic Sea under suspicion it belonged to Russia's so-called shadow fleet. This action represents Sweden's heightened vigilance against potential Russian hybrid activities in the region, coming just days after another similar seizure. The tanker, identified as Sea Owl I, was operating under a possibly false Comorian flag and was noted for violating safety regulations according to the Swedish Coast Guard, which expressed concerns over maritime safety and environmental threats posed by the vessel.

The Swedish Coast Guard's deputy operational chief, Daniel Stenling, highlighted the substantial risks associated with the ship, indicating that safety deficiencies were highly probable. In response to these concerns, Swedish prosecutors have initiated a preliminary investigation into the Russian captain of the vessel, suggesting that the Swedish government is taking a serious stance against violations and potential threats emanating from foreign vessels in their waters.

This incident underscores a broader trend of European nations ramping up maritime security measures in light of ongoing geopolitical tensions with Russia. The EU's sanctions against maritime activities deemed supportive of Russian interests reflect a collective effort to mitigate risks and maintain regional stability, especially as the Baltic Sea serves as a critical area of strategic interest for both Russia and its neighboring countries in Europe.