British Forces Join French Navy to Seize Russian ‘Shadow Fleet’ Oil Tanker in Mediterranean
The British forces joined the French Navy in a high-stakes operation to intercept and seize the MV Deyna, a sanctioned Russian “shadow fleet” oil tanker suspected of flying a false flag in the Mediterranean. The move is part of a broader effort by Western nations to disrupt Russia’s ability to circumvent international sanctions imposed following its invasion of Ukraine.
The French Navy intercepted the Deyna, an oil tanker, in the Mediterranean. Defence Secretary John Healey emphasized that disrupting and deterring Russia’s shadow fleet is a priority for the British government, which will continue to take action alongside allies to starve Putin’s war machine of funds. The operation was supported by HMS Cutlass, a patrol boat that monitored the Deyna and provided tracking and imagery capture near the Strait of Gibraltar.
French President Emmanuel Macron’s Statement
French President Emmanuel Macron stated that France will not be deterred from supporting Ukraine despite the ongoing conflict with Iran. He emphasized that these vessels, which evade international sanctions and violate the law of the sea, are profiteers of war, lining their pockets while helping finance Russia’s war effort. The French Navy helicopter hovered over the Deyna vessel during the operation in the Western Mediterranean Sea.
British Forces’ Role
The British forces played a crucial role in supporting the French operation. HMS Cutlass monitored the Deyna and provided tracking and imagery capture near the Strait of Gibraltar. This is not the first time British forces have assisted in seizing sanctioned vessels; earlier this year, they aided in the seizure of the oil tanker Marinera by the US.
UK’s Co-operation with Allies
The UK has been actively co-operating with allies to target sanctioned vessels. In January, British forces assisted in the seizure of the oil tanker Marinera by the US. Previously known as the Bella-1, the Russian-flagged vessel was captured by US forces aided by RAF aircraft and the British supply ship RFA Tideforce in the Atlantic.
Royal Navy’s Capabilities
The UK has faced criticism over its lack of preparedness for the conflict. As of March 12, four of the UK’s seven MCMVs are now out of commission, and the other three are based in the UK, protecting nuclear submarine bases. Even if one were to be redeployed to the Gulf, it would take five weeks to arrive. HMS Bangor is currently in the UK, undergoing major structural repairs following a collision in Bahrain in early 2024.
Defence Analyst’s Concerns
Defence analyst Francis Tusa expressed concerns over the Royal Navy’s capabilities, stating that when the Iran-Iraq tanker war broke out in the late 1980s, the USA turned to the UK for our mine countermeasures expertise. He emphasized that the Royal Navy now does not have enough MCMVs to cover tasks like protection of the nuclear deterrent and deploying to predictable threats such as in the Gulf.
Conclusion
The seizure of the MV Deyna is a significant development in the ongoing effort by Western nations to disrupt Russia’s ability to circumvent international sanctions. The operation demonstrates the UK’s commitment to co-operating with allies to target sanctioned vessels and highlights the need for the Royal Navy to upgrade its capabilities to meet emerging threats.
Original Article: British forces join French navy to seize Russian ‘shadow fleet’ oil tanker in the Mediterranean — Co