The Estonian Navy conducted an operation to intercept the container ship Baltic Spirit, which was en route to a Russian port. The vessel, which was sailing under the flag of the Bahamas, was stopped for inspection, and it was officially confirmed that the entire crew of the detained vessel consisted exclusively of Russian citizens. According to preliminary reports, Estonian law enforcement agencies based their actions on suspicions of the vessel's involvement in illegal operations involving the transportation of contraband cargo from Ecuador.

The vessel currently remains under the control of Estonian authorities pending clarification of the circumstances and a detailed inspection of the cargo. Officials in Tallinn are currently refraining from making any detailed comments regarding the nature of the suspected smuggling, but the detention of a vessel with a Russian crew in the Baltic Sea could further escalate tensions in the region. The Russian authorities and the shipowner have been notified of the incident, and diplomatic missions are verifying the legality of the Estonian Navy's actions and the respect for the rights of the detained sailors.