UK Forces Join Military Operation to Seize Russian ‘Shadow Fleet’ Tanker in Mediterranean
UK forces have joined a military operation with the French navy in the Mediterranean to seize an oil tanker, alleged to be part of Russia’s shadow fleet. The Deyna, a Mozambique-flagged vessel, was monitored by British patrol boat HMS Cutlass and supported by the French operation on Friday near the Strait of Gibraltar.
The Defence Secretary, John Healey, stated that disrupting, deterring, and degrading Russia’s shadow fleet is a priority for this government. Russia’s so-called shadow fleet of vessels is used to carry oil and goods around the world to avoid sanctions on Moscow following its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Sanctions and Inspections
The Deyna is sanctioned by the UK and the European Union for its role in shipping Russian oil. French President Emmanuel Macron said that 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.
A Western military source told Reuters that the tanker was carrying Russian crude oil, while local officials suspected it of flying a false flag. The vessel had sailed from the Russian port of Murmansk and was escorted to an anchorage point for further inspection by the French military.
Maritime Tracking and Inspections
The maritime tracking website, vesselfinder.com, said that the Deyna was heading towards Port Said, Egypt, and was intercepted off the coast of Algeria. The shipping industry has accused shadow fleet vessels of being poorly maintained, ageing tankers with dubious insurance or safety certification cover.
International Cooperation and Sanctions Evasion
Friday’s military operation is the latest sign of the UK’s co-operation with allies. In January, British forces helped the US seize the oil tanker Marinera in the Atlantic, and France intercept another sanctioned ship, the Grinch, in the western Mediterranean. European sanctions remain in place, but the US has temporarily eased sanctions on the sale of Russian oil as the Middle East war disrupts oil supplies and boosts prices.
Moscow has previously called the seizure of its tankers or vessels carrying its cargoes an act of piracy.
Original Article: UK forces join military operation with French navy to seize Russian ‘shadow fleet’ tanker in Mediterranean — Sky