Russian commander of bulk carrier
Photo: Johan Nilsson / TT

Russian commander of bulk carrier Caffa released from custody, vessel remains banned

The prosecutor has lifted the detention of the Russian captain of the bulk carrier Caffa, which was boarded outside Trelleborg by police and the Coast Guard. However, the vessel remains under a ban on use.

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The commander has been in custody since March 10 on suspicion of aggravated use of a false document.

According to prosecutor Adrien Combier-Hogg, false documents were used, including documents certifying that the ship was flagged in Guinea. However, it has not been possible to prove that the ship's master was aware of this, despite extensive investigative measures, the prosecutor said in a press release.

The investigation into the ship continues, focusing on developing evidence that could form the basis for a so-called special lawsuit in court to confiscate the false documents - that is, to have them destroyed, according to the Prosecution Authority.

The bulk carrier has been banned from use due to safety deficiencies. This ban still applies, Mikael Andersson, press officer at the Swedish Transport Agency, said.

"There is certainly work underway to address the deficiencies. Once they have been addressed, we will make another visit to the ship to ensure that everything is working as it should, but we are not there yet," he told TT.

Near Caffa, the tanker Sea Owl I is also being held by Swedish authorities off Trelleborg. The ship's captain, also a Russian citizen, is being held in custody on suspicion of aggravated use of false documents. The deadline for prosecution is April 24.

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AuthorTT News AgencyEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for our readers
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