French naval forces, supported by Royal Navy assets, have boarded and seized another suspected Russian shadow fleet oil tanker.
The latest operation took place in the western Mediterranean on Friday and involved Mozambique-flagged oil tanker Deyna.
The ship, thought to be carrying Russian crude oil, was believed to have been operating under a false flag and had sailed from the port of Murmansk, as per official French sources.
On social media French President Emmanuel Macron commented: “The war involving Iran will not deflect France from its support for Ukraine, where Russia’s war of aggression continues unabated.
“These vessels, which evade international sanctions and violate the law of the sea, are profiteers of war. They line their pockets while helping finance Russia’s war effort. We will not allow it.”
Ahead of the boarding operation Royal Navy fast patrol vessel HMS Cutlass had been dispatched to track the tanker and send imagery to aid the French forces.
The same ship performed a similar role when French forces boarded the oil tanker Grinch at the end of January.
Head of the Royal Navy Gibraltar Squadron Lieutenant Commander Jonathan Davies said: “It is hugely important to the United Kingdom’s and our partners’ security that we maintain a presence in the region and make full use of our strategic location — reassuring both Gibraltarians and our allies that we remain firmly committed to ensuring maritime security.”
- You can read more details on the Royal Navy website and on President Macron’s X feed