Putin-linked superyacht passes Denmark after over three years off radar

A convoy of three Russian vessels, including the superyacht Graceful—reported by international media such as Forbes to be President Vladimir Putin’s personal yacht—is currently passing through Danish waters, according to observations by DR Verificering on maritime traffic websites and photographs from coastal spotters.

The yacht transited the Great Belt overnight, passed Anholt at 10:30 this morning, and is expected to round Skagen at around 14:00 at its current speed and course. It is escorted by a Russian destroyer and a patrol vessel.

Graceful has had its AIS transponder disabled since 30 August 2022, shortly after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and has since operated under the radar, though it was later spotted in Saint Petersburg in the Baltic Sea.

The Danish Navy and German coast guard have alternately monitored the convoy since 09:00 Sunday. The Danish patrol vessel P521 Freja is currently tailing the Russian ships.

Denmark’s Defence Command told DR that the military routinely tracks vessels, including foreign state ships, transiting Danish waters with relevant capabilities.

Graceful is over 80 metres long and valued at more than 750 million Danish kroner, according to Forbes. No information on the convoy’s final destination has been released.