Working Conditions Aboard the Vetluga

**Title: Swedish Authorities Seize 'Caffa' Amid Legal Proceedings** In a notable development, Swedish police acted on May 11 to enforce a prosecutor's directive by seizing the cargo vessel 'Caffa'. The ship made its way to Trelleborg port where it was officially impounded. The detention will remain in effect until a court ruling is reached regarding the vessel's status. The 'Caffa', currently carrying no cargo, will undergo a thorough inspection by police officials. The crew, comprised of non-Schengen nationals, has been under the supervision of authorities as the situation unfolds. This action comes in light of Ukraine's request for the 'Caffa', which is believed to have ties to the elusive Russian shadow fleet. The outcome now hinges on the district court’s decision regarding the ship's future and any potential transfer to Ukrainian authorities. Notably, the ship cannot be released until it shows valid registration documents and corrects safety issues highlighted by the Swedish Transport Administration (Trafikverket). As this case progresses, the maritime community remains attentive to developments surrounding the 'Caffa' and its implications for international shipping regulations and geopolitical tensions in the region.

**Title: Swedish Authorities Seize "Caffa" Amid Allegations of Smuggling Stolen Ukrainian Grain** On April 30, Swedish authorities took official custody of the vessel "Caffa," responding to a request for judicial assistance from an unnamed foreign nation. The ship is embroiled in a significant international investigation stemming from serious allegations that it was transporting stolen grain from Ukraine and operating under a fraudulent Guinean flag. The "Caffa" was en route to St. Petersburg, Russia, when authorities intercepted it, uncovering compelling evidence of its illegal cargo. Out of the 11 crew members on board, one has been charged with breaching maritime regulations and safety protocols, specifically for utilizing forged documents. Reports indicate that most of the crew members are of Russian nationality. Currently, the "Caffa" will remain in the custody of Swedish authorities while the investigation unfolds and a court deliberates on the final ruling. The outcome will ultimately dictate whether the ship will be returned to the nation that initiated the request. Vladyslav Vlasiuk, Ukraine’s Presidential Commissioner for Sanctions Policy, praised the seizure, emphasizing that it establishes a crucial legal precedent in the fight against maritime smuggling. Notably, the captain of the "Caffa" was arrested but has since been released and is back on board the vessel as the investigation continues.

**Title: Release of ‘Caffa’ Captain Amid Continuing Ship Detention** In recent developments, the captain of the cargo vessel ‘Caffa’ has been released after prosecutors dropped the charges against him. Initially detained on grounds of using potentially forged documentation—a serious felony—the captain was at the center of an investigation that deemed key documents, including the ship's registration from Guinea, suspicious. Senior prosecutor Adrien Combier-Hogg concluded that the evidence against the captain, a Russian national, could not substantiate the allegations, resulting in the lifting of his detention. The captain maintained that he had no prior knowledge of any discrepancies in the ship’s paperwork. Despite the captain's release, the ‘Caffa’ remains anchored off the coast of Trelleborg, Sweden. The Swedish Transport Agency previously enforced a sailing ban on the vessel due to various safety concerns, including issues with seaworthiness, ballast water management, and bilge water control systems, raising alarms about the ship's stateless status. While the captain is no longer under suspicion, the ship’s operational limitations persist. Nearby, another vessel, ‘Sea Owl 1,’ has also been identified as undergoing repairs to rectify its own deficiencies before attempting to sail again. This incident occurs within a broader context of heightened scrutiny on the Russian shadow fleet operating in European waters. In response to concerns about maritime security, nations like Sweden, France, and Belgium have intensified inspections, resulting in multiple ship boardings across the region. The ongoing situation highlights the challenges of ensuring maritime compliance and safety, especially amid geopolitical tensions.

**Headline: Two Russian Captains Detained as Investigations Continue** In a recent legal development, the captain of the Russian tanker 'Sea Owl I' has been ordered to remain in custody until April 10 due to allegations of utilizing a false document, a serious felony. During a hearing, the Malmö District Court sided with the prosecution, dismissing the captain's objections to his detention. The incident unfolded on March 12 when law enforcement and the Coastguard boarded the 'Sea Owl I' in waters just outside Trelleborg. Notably, this vessel is listed under the EU's sanctions, having been involved in the transportation of oil products between Russia and Brazil in recent years. Adding to the situation, the bulk carrier 'Caffa' was detained just six days earlier, resulting in the captain's subsequent custody for similar allegations of document forgery. As of March 27, both vessels remain anchored near each other off the coast of Trelleborg, awaiting further developments in their cases. For additional coverage and a photograph related to this story, visit: [Aftonbladet](https://www.aftonbladet.se/nyheter/a/9ppo75/rysk-befalhavare-fran-bordat-fartyg-omhaktas).

**Title: Urgent Supply Crisis on 'Caffa' Detained Off Trelleborg** The crew of the vessel 'Caffa'—currently held off the coast of Trelleborg—are facing a severe shortage of essential supplies, including food and fresh water. This alarming situation has been highlighted in an urgent missive from the Russian Consul General in Stockholm, who has implored Swedish authorities to ensure immediate access to provisions for the crew. The consul drew attention to international regulations governing such scenarios, stressing the need for swift action. Despite the consul's eloquent appeal, Swedish authorities previously communicated that there were no existing barriers preventing the distribution of supplies to the 'Caffa'. Initial assistance has come from the Seamen's Church in Malmö; however, the aid provided has been somewhat limited. Reports also indicate that an Estonian company is prepared to supply provisions to the stranded vessel. The 'Caffa' was halted and inspected by the Swedish Coast Guard on March 6 due to suspicions relating to its association with the Russian shadow fleet. Following the inspection, the ship’s captain was detained under allegations of breaching maritime safety regulations, as well as the use of falsified documents. As the situation unfolds, the urgency for humanitarian support remains critical, raising serious questions about the treatment of seafarers under such challenging circumstances.

**Title: Major Sailing Ban Imposed on Tanker 'Caffa' Amid Serious Deficiencies** The Swedish Transport Agency has issued a sailing ban for the vessel 'Caffa' due to significant safety deficiencies identified onboard. This critical decision prohibits the ship from continuing its journey until all issues have been thoroughly addressed and rectified. Since being apprehended, the 'Caffa' has remained stationary near Trelleborg, correlating with the presence of another seized tanker, the 'Sea Owl I'. As of March 16, the position of the two vessels is recorded at 55° 20' N 013° 05' E, with the Swedish patrol vessel 'KBV 003' (IMO: 9380465) monitoring the situation closely. This ongoing situation highlights the heightened focus on maritime safety standards and the swift action taken by authorities to ensure compliance.

**Title: Captain Detained as Vessel Faces International Sailing Restrictions** Content: As of March 13, the freighter 'Caffa' is anchored at a position of 55° 20' N 013° 05' E near Trelleborg, Sweden. The Coast Guard is currently monitoring the situation, prepared to act based on directives from the prosecutor leading the ongoing preliminary investigation. While the vessel is no longer in the custody of the Coast Guard, it has been placed under an international sailing ban by the Swedish Transport Agency. This prohibition prevents the 'Caffa' from departing the port or anchorage until all identified deficiencies are rectified and the ship passes safety verifications by the Transport Agency. The investigation is being guided by a prosecutor, and the Coast Guard is taking necessary actions as instructed. Decisions regarding potential future measures rest solely with the prosecutor. The captain of the 'Caffa', a Russian national, was arrested on March 7 for employing a false document, a serious offense under maritime law. At the time of interception, the 'Caffa' had recently completed the unloading of a grain cargo. In a related incident, on March 12, the Coast Guard also boarded the 'Sea Owl I' (IMO: 9321172), a shadow tanker en route to Russia, off the coast of Trelleborg. For more updates and photographs of the situation, visit the Coast Guard's official website: [Kustbevakningen News](https://www.kustbevakningen.se/nyheter/kustbevakningen-kvar-vid-caffa/) and [Another Intervention Against a False-Flagged Vessel](https://www.kustbevakningen.se/en/more-news/another-intervention-against-a-false-flagged-vessel/s).

The "Ufa" has been damaged after alliding with the West Pier in Ayr at 13:30 on May 8, 2013, whilst coming from Klaipeda. No one was injured and no pollution was caused, but the ship suffered a hole above the waterline. The Troon lifeboat and Ayr Coastguard Rescue Team were called but were not required. The "Ufa" anchored off the coast before entering the Garvel Clyde Shipyard at Greenock on May 9 at 1.50 p.m. for repairs. Report with photo: http://www.greenocktelegraph.co.uk/news/greenock/articles/2013/05/10/456907-vessel-repairs-after-collision/

On Dec 29 at 2.30 a..m. on the Westerscheldt the "Ufa" and the Marshall Islands flagged cargo m/v San Remo II", (IMO: 9146053) were in collision in dense fog. The "San Remo II" was underway from the Terneuzen locks to Wielingen without cargo when it was hit by the "Ufa" which came from Antwerp and was underway towards the East gat. The latter suffered damages on six metres length at the starboard bow, the unloaded vessel a holed ballast water tank and a damage of one metre length six metres above the water line on port side. Both ships anchored off Flushing for inspections.