The Estonian Navy attempted to intercept the Gabonese-flagged oil tanker JAGUAR on Monday in the Gulf of Finland, in what appears to be part of a growing effort to curb Russia’s use of so-called shadow fleet tankers operating under flags of convenience.
According to Russian media reports and open-source accounts, the tanker was en route to the Russian port of Primorsk, a major export hub for Russian oil. Estonian patrol vessels EML Raju and EML Kurvits, supported by tactical aircraft, helicopters, and surveillance drones, attempted to redirect the vessel into Estonian territorial waters for inspection. The operation was also reportedly supported by Polish MiG-29 fighter aircraft.
The JAGUAR, however, did not comply with the Estonian commands. Footage shared by Izvestia and circulated on social media shows aerial maneuvers above the JAGUAR and scenes from inside the tanker’s bridge.
Wild footage from the Baltic Sea.
Estonian navy intercepting a oil tanker sailing under the Gabon flag into the Russian port in Primorsk, there’s a Russian-speaker sailor onboard the ship, it refused the Estonian orders and keeps sailing with Russian Su-35s coming to help it… pic.twitter.com/gHsede5pLb— Kvist (@kvistp) May 14, 2025
The Russian outlet News-Pravda reported, “It is noted that sailors from the Baltic Republic twice tried to land troops from a helicopter.” This claim has not been independently verified.
A Russian Su-35 fighter also reportedly entered Estonian airspace and appeared near the scene during the confrontation. While unconfirmed, the aircraft’s presence was likely intended to deter Estonian naval actions.
Despite the deployment of air and naval assets, Estonian authorities were unable to halt the tanker, which eventually reached Gogland Island, also known as Hogland, a Russian-controlled territory in the Gulf. The JAGUAR has since resumed its course toward Primorsk at a reported speed of 10 knots.
Estonian officials have not publicly confirmed any seizure or boarding of the vessel, and no formal statement has been issued regarding the status of the operation.
The interception attempt occurred on the same day the European Union announced its 17th sanctions package targeting Russia’s shadow fleet and associated industries.
The new EU measures target approximately 200 tankers believed to be part of Russia’s shadow fleet, an unofficial network of aging and poorly documented vessels used to bypass international sanctions on Russian oil exports. The sanctions also restrict the activities of 30 companies trading in dual-use goods and designate 75 individuals associated with Russia’s defense and logistics sectors.
Estonia, a NATO and EU member, has been among the most active Baltic nations in countering illicit maritime activity linked to Russia. In April 2025, the Estonian Navy detained the tanker Kiwala, which was sailing under a Djibouti flag that had been withdrawn over allegations of illegal cargo operations.
