As the result of recent measures conducted, the evidence of possible schemes for illegal transfer of fuel and lubricants from vessels being stationed on hold, outside of Ukraine’s territorial sea, or on anchorage in ports and are bunkering other vessels.

The State Border Guard Service of Ukraine continues active and complex measures on protection of the state border and sovereign rights of Ukraine in its exclusive economic zone within its authority, and also controls industrial and other activities in cooperation with other law enforcement agencies.

As the result of recent measures conducted, the evidence of possible schemes for  illegal transfer of fuel and lubricants from vessels being stationed on hold, outside of Ukraine’s territorial sea, or on anchorage in ports and are bunkering other vessels, or vessels in short-sea shipping was found.

This also relates to the tanker DELFI (under the flag of Moldova), which was carried ashore nearby Odessa by the storm. The vessel had been stationed in the waiting zone outside of Ukraine’s territorial sea. Practically, it’s been located in adjacent zone under the closed border mode, which fully corresponds to the norms of international maritime law.

Meanwhile, permanent control over the vessel with help of technical observation posts, operative information analysis, as well as forces of maritime guard, almost eliminated the possibility of illegal schemes across international sea transportations and coastal shipping.

Besides, on November 16, the specialized search team of border maritime guard conducted an examination of DELFI 6 miles off shore (within the territorial sea). In particular, it checked possible relation to criminal activity. Neither cargo, nor any illegal items or traces of implementation of illegal action were not found. Although, border guards recorded a series of violations in vessel’s papers, noted unacceptable condition of the vessel itself, which endangered navigational and ecological safety, especially in the broadcasted weather conditions. According to the results of the inspection, relevant reports were sent to the interacting agencies with the competence to influence and eliminate the detected violations.

In a couple of days captain of the vessel asked for help through open channels of communication. Maritime guard ship, which was on duty nearby, offered its help, but the crew dismissed the offer, arguing that the approach of tugs was already organized. However, understanding rapid growth of the storm, maritime border guards didn’t leave the emergency vessel in the open water. The ship of maritime guard stayed close in the nighttime, lightening the blacked out vessel, so that tugs and search-and-rescue team could find it. The further monitoring of the situation was conducted remotely, staying ready to join the rescue mission, and take the crew on board.

The later chain of events is well known. In fact, the vessel with ballast and with certain violations in documents was carried ashore by the storm. On the base of technical observation post “Langeron” of Odessa Border Guard Detachment, the temporary operational headquarters were deployed for the purpose of quick response to the situation. Taking into account force majeure circumstances, border guards of Southern regional Directorate conducted pass of the crew on exceptional basis, outside BCPs according to the Law “On Border Control”. At this moment, the vessel continues to be under the 24-hour watch and control of the Odessa Border Guard Division.

It should be noted that only during November, State Border Guard Service tracked down about 400 vessels, and as part of risk analysis and evaluation program implementation, search was conducted on over 50 vessels. Besides, while gathering operational information, radar tracking, and while on duty of patrol boats directly in the sea, border guards enforce the regime of sea cruising, that complies with the international maritime law and international marine safety standards.