Belgian Defence forces have boarded and seized a suspected Russian shadow fleet oil tanker in the North Sea.
The tanker was not identified by Belgium in its press statement but has been named in media reports as the Ethera. She was intercepted in the North Sea on Saturday night by its special forces.
Castor-class patrol vessel Pollux intercepted the vessel before Special Operations Forces boarded, with air support provided by two Belgian Air Force NH90 helicopters and two aircraft from the French Navy.
Belgium’s Defense Minister Theo Francken commented: “The ship, which was sailing under a false flag, is on the European Union sanctions list. These are serious indications of deliberate deception and possible circumvention of sanctions. When such indications appear in our exclusive economic zone, we take action.”
The Belgian press statement noted: “It is illegal for a vessel to sail under a false flag or without a flag. It therefore cannot claim the right of innocent passage through the Belgian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).”
The vessel was escorted to Zeebrugge harbour, where it is expected the tanker will be officially confiscated.
Belgium’s Chief of Defence Air Force General Frederick Vansina said: “The introduction of new systems, including the MQ-9B, as well as the continued development of the Maritime Operations Center, make this type of operation possible — a clear strengthening of our capabilities, which were lacking in the past and which now make all the difference.”
Commander of the Navy Tanguy Botman added: “This type of operation demonstrates once again the importance of the sea for Belgium and the need for a strong Navy. Our patrol boats are active 24/7 off our coast and can intervene if necessary.
“The cooperation with the other services of the Defense Forces has been an excellent example of teamwork.”
- You can read more details on the Belgian Defence website