The Swedish Coast Guard took control of a vessel of unclear flag status, and therefore a suspected stateless vessel, at 15:50 today. The operation was carried out with support from the Swedish Police Authority. It took place in the Baltic Sea, in Swedish territorial waters off Trelleborg. The Coast Guard has opened a preliminary investigation into a suspected offence under the Swedish Maritime Code (sjölagen) concerning lack of seaworthiness.

Under national and international law, the Coast Guard regards the vessel Caffa, sailing under the flag of Guinea, as stateless. The Coast Guard therefore assesses that Caffa was not engaged in innocent passage in Swedish territorial waters. Without a flag state, no state vouches for the vessel's safety and seaworthiness.

Since about 16:00, after the Police and the Coast Guard took control of the vessel, investigative measures have been under way on board Caffa. The Coast Guard has personnel on board to gather information about the conditions of the vessel and its crew, carry out a search of the premises and conduct interviews. At this stage, the preliminary investigation concerns lack of seaworthiness.

The operation was planned and has gone calmly. Caffa was boarded in Swedish territorial waters by the National Task Force and the Coast Guard's national boarding team, with a police helicopter in support.

The operation is currently taking place at sea. The Coast Guard is processing the information on board Caffa, which takes time. More authorities may become involved, depending on how events develop.