Russia detains oil tanker after leaving Estonian port

Russian authorities on Sunday detained a Greek oil tanker after it left an Estonian port while sailing on a pre-agreed route in Russia's territorial waters. The incident comes several days after Estonia attempted to stop a Russian shadow fleet vessel.
The Liberian-flagged "Green Admire" tanker left the Port of Sillamäe in eastern Estonia carrying a cargo of shale oil, destined for Rotterdam, the Netherlands, the Transport Administration said on Sunday afternoon. It is owned by the Greek company Aegean Shipping.

The vessel had been sailing along an agreed route through Russian waters.

The agency told ERR that such an incident had never occurred before.

Ships traveling to and from Sillamäe will now be directed to stay in Estonian territorial waters, the agency said in a statement.

A statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the tanker was detained as it was departing from the port.

"Today's incident shows that Russia continues to act unpredictably, which is why ships will be directed along an alternative route in the future," Minister of Foreign Affairs Margus Tsahkna (Eesti 200) said.

"I have also informed our Allies of the event," the minister added.