MV Artic Sea, August 18 Update

The Maritime Security Committee, with the assistance of the Maltese liaison team stationed in Helsinki since early August, have continued to closely monitor developments of the incident involving the MV Arctic Sea.

The Committee would like to clarify that the movements of the MV Arctic Sea were always known for several days, notwithstanding reports that the ship had “disappeared.” There was consensus amongst the investigating authorities of Finland, Malta and Sweden not to disclose any sensitive information in order not to jeopardize the life and safety of the persons on board and the integrity of the ship.

It was confirmed through Russian authorities that eight persons are being detained by them in connection with the incident. The nationality of the detained persons is confirmed to be Estonian, Latvian and Russian.

The Committee with the assistance of the office of the Attorney General and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and in collaboration with the Swedish and Finnish authorities will continue with their detailed investigations into the case. The Committee is also in contact with the Russian authorities regarding the ongoing investigations.

Malta as the flag State administration is also endeavoring to ensure that the ship is granted a safe berth to allow for the required investigations into the seaworthiness of the ship.