What Crew Members Say About Scanlark

On the afternoon of October 6, the vessel 'Scanlark' was spotted approximately three kilometers from the Olkiluoto nuclear power plant, following its controversial raid near Kiel a month earlier. This ship, associated with the enigmatic Russian shadow fleet, has docked at Eurajoki, raising significant concerns among authorities. Upon arrival, the 'Scanlark' was greeted by personnel from Customs, the Border Guard, and local police. Owned by the Estonian Vista Agency Shipping company, the vessel's crew predominantly consists of Russian nationals. Authorities are investigating potential links to drone operations, as it is suspected that the 'Scanlark' served as a mother ship for drones, one of which reportedly captured images over a German military vessel back in August. The raid on the ship earlier revealed radio equipment that is atypical for a cargo vessel, further raising suspicions about its activities.

The 'Scanlark' has finally arrived at its destination port after experiencing a significant delay. The vessel, which was thoroughly searched following a police raid in Kiel, was not found to have enough incriminating evidence against the six sailors onboard to warrant arrest. After being questioned, the crew was permitted to return to the ship as the investigation proceeded. Despite the search, the ship was cleared to leave port. The 'Scanlark' set sail from Kiel on October 1 and made its way to Eurajoki, arriving on October 6. The Flensburg Public Prosecutor's Office continues to investigate, but as of now, there has been no order to seize the vessel. Additionally, a port state inspection conducted by the German Transport Employers’ Association identified 14 deficiencies on the 'Scanlark'. Issues were noted regarding various safety equipment, including the fire extinguishing systems, crew quarters, lifesaving gear, and watertight doors; however, these faults did not warrant a sailing prohibition. Carrying approximately 1,500 tons of pig iron from Rotterdam intended for a steel mill in Finland, the 'Scanlark' has been a focal point of attention. During its stay in Kiel, the crew was well looked after through donations and support from the Seamen’s Mission, with regular visits providing essential needs, as reported by Jochen Hinz, Chairman of the German Seamen’s Mission Association in Kiel. Of the six crew members, five hail from Russia, while one comes from Ukraine. Throughout their temporary detainment, the sailors were required to stay onboard at North Port in Kiel, which is situated within a secured area. Regular patrols by the Federal Police monitored the situation, and no requests for shore passes or entry for the crew had been filed. There were concerns regarding the potential insolvency of the shipping company that could have led to prolonged confinement of the ship, with the eventuality of auctioning off the vessel and its cargo. This would have set in motion a lengthy and complex legal process.

The Flensburg Public Prosecutor's Office has disclosed that investigators are rigorously examining the case of the freighter 'Scanlark'. The State Security Department of the State Criminal Police Office is not just focused on uncovering past crimes, but is also proactively working to prevent potential threats. This includes scrutiny over whether any drone activity was initiated from the freighter, as officials monitor the vessel closely to avert similar incidents in the future. As the investigation progresses, it remains uncertain when the 'Scanlark' will resume its voyage. The State Criminal Police Office has initiated inquiries based on suspicions of espionage aimed at sabotage and concerns surrounding photographs of military sites that may compromise security. This investigation poses significant implications for Germany’s critical maritime infrastructure. Given the complexity of this case, the public prosecutor's office has refrained from sharing additional details. However, the situation is expected to be addressed in the Interior and Legal Affairs Committee of the Schleswig-Holstein State Parliament in October. The 'Scanlark' arrived in Kiel after journeying from the North Sea. Authorities have been monitoring the vessel for several months due to deviations from its intended routes. Notably, the freighter has ties to the Netherlands; it was docked in Rotterdam just days before police intervention in Kiel. Between September 2 and 5, the ship was docked at the Waalhaven and Botlek harbors, where the Port Authority reported no suspicious activities during that timeframe. As of September 23, the 'Scanlark' has been anchored at Voith Quay in Kiel, awaiting further directives.

The 'Scanlark,' a vessel recently under scrutiny for espionage activities, has officially been rendered unfit for navigation following a thorough police operation. Despite a visit from the Seamen's Mission and the absence of crew arrests, the investigation's impact has left the ship compromised. Reports indicate that critical security doors aboard the 'Scanlark' were forcibly opened, and key maritime navigation equipment has been seized for evidence purposes. As a result, the ship is currently classified as unseaworthy. Before the 'Scanlark' can continue its journey from Kiel, it awaits approval from the German Employers' Liability Insurance Association (BG Verkehr) after a necessary port state inspection, which remains pending. The timeline for this inspection is uncertain, particularly since the vessel cannot be deemed fit for service without the required navigational equipment, which has been confiscated. This situation is further complicated by the need for replacement equipment, as the original items are being held indefinitely as evidence. While the extent of evidence collected by police during the operation is not disclosed, evident features on the ship's deck have raised concerns. Uncommon surveillance gadgets, including 360-degree cameras and GPS antennas, have contributed to suspicions that the 'Scanlark' may indeed operate as a spy vessel. As of September 11, the ship has remained docked in Kiel, reflecting the ongoing investigations that have kept this maritime mystery at the forefront of news.

A significant police operation unfolded on the afternoon of September 10, 2023, as units from Lower Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein stormed the cargo ship 'Scanlark' at the southern lock of the Kiel Canal in Kiel-Holtenau. The vessel, traveling from Rotterdam to Fiejo, was intercepted by masked officers immediately upon docking at approximately 3 p.m. Authorities shut down the visitor platform at the Holtenau Lock due to safety concerns, with the State Police Office in Kiel citing an urgent need to avert danger as the operation's rationale. While specific details remained undisclosed, there were growing suspicions of possible sabotage related to the police action. Access to the lock was restricted as police measures intensified, with the associated webcam being obscured on official instructions. As part of the nighttime security protocols, divers were deployed to conduct thorough inspections of the ship’s hull, while the vessel itself was cordoned off. The tugboat 'Parat' (IMO: 8128212) facilitated the 'Scanlark's' movement, towing it from the lock into the Kiel Fjord before returning it to the Kiel Canal, where it was finally stationed at Voith Quay in North Port at around 6 p.m. Throughout the transit, special forces closely guarded the crew, maintaining a secure perimeter around the freighter. Police operations extended into the night, with numerous vehicles on-site to assist in security measures and ensure the safety of ongoing investigations. Reports indicated that the 'Scanlark', owned by the Vista Shipping Agency based in Tallinn, Estonia, has a history of previous incidents, including a grounding in 2000, attributed to the crew possibly falling asleep. The vessel has been registered in St. Vincent and the Grenadines since 2006 and routinely navigates the Kiel Canal. As events unfolded, no formal statements regarding the operation or the crew were released, leaving many questions unanswered about the situation aboard the 'Scanlark'.

On December 15, 2022, a vessel became grounded off the coast of Samsoe, Denmark, raising concerns among local maritime authorities. This incident has captured the attention of shipping enthusiasts and environmentalists alike. For a closer look at the ship and the situation, visit the following link for photographs: https://www.shipspotting.com/photos/3506833?page=1&navList=homePhotoFooter&list=latest&timestamp=1671534900.

On January 9, 2015, the maritime scene was tense as the 'Scanlark' found itself incapacitated while en route from Ijmuiden to Apenrade, navigating between Kiel l/h and Fehmarn Island. The vessel suffered significant engine problems and had to drop anchor near Kiel l/h. Unfortunately, a fierce storm with gale-force gusts caused the anchor to drag, putting the ship in danger of drifting into the busy fairway around midday. In response to the emergency, the Kiel-based tugboats 'Kiel' and 'Bül' were dispatched to secure the drifting ship. Their efforts were hampered by the stormy conditions, leading to a challenging rescue operation that only succeeded around 3 p.m. Complications arose when crews attempted to lift the anchors that had originally held the 'Scanlark' in place at coordinates 54° 28.29' N 010° 15.59' E. After overcoming these hurdles, the 'Scanlark' was finally pulled towards safety. The operation concluded successfully when the vessel was securely berthed at East Shore Port in Kiel at 7:20 p.m. This incident highlights the critical role of tugboats in ensuring maritime safety during extreme weather conditions.