Police lack authority to inspect foreign ships

As foreign ships docking in Faroese ports are not defined as Faroese territory, local officials have no formal authority on board these ships.

They are, however, allowed to ban the crew from leaving the ships.

Police chief Michael Boolsen says it is up to the political system to grant further authorisation to the police in this matter.

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There are currently three foreign ships docking at the port of Runavík, Eysturoy – two Russian and one registered in the Bahamas.

The Runavík harbour area has been fenced off, and the captains and crews have been ordered not to leave their ships.

Three foreign ships are also currently docking at the port of Kollafjørður, Streymoy – two from Norway and one from Greenland.

Translated by prosa.fo