Distress Alert Issued by Russian-Linked Tanker in North Atlantic
The RAF is reportedly involved in an emergency response after a tanker under UK sanctions issued a distress alert while sailing through severe weather in the North Atlantic. The vessel, identified as Myra, was hundreds of miles west of the Outer Hebrides when it reportedly sent an Inmarsat-C distress alert on Saturday, October 24.
The Press and Journal reports that RAF Lossiemouth and Aberdeen Coastguard are involved in the response, with a local Coastguard official confirming that an operation was under way. The exact cause of the distress alert has not been independently confirmed, but Vesseltracker, a maritime tracking website, reported that Myra was facing significant weather conditions, including waves reaching 8.8 metres and wind gusts of up to 70 knots.
Weather Conditions Pose Significant Challenge
According to Vesseltracker, Myra was located approximately 270 to 290 nautical miles west of Northern Ireland and the Outer Hebrides, and was continuing to travel at around nine knots despite the conditions. The website reported that nearby vessels capable of providing assistance had been asked to contact the UK Coastguard.
Robert Macleod, owner of Glasgow-based Ocean Risk Management, has been monitoring the ship using specialist satellite-tracking technology. He identified Myra as the vessel involved and told the Press and Journal that the information available to him suggested it was experiencing difficulties.
Sanctions-Linked Vessel Under Scrutiny
Myra is an oil products tanker reported to have sailed from Ust-Luga, a Russian port on the Baltic Sea, towards Port Said in Egypt. The vessel is subject to UK sanctions, which were imposed due to reasonable grounds to suspect it has been involved in transporting Russian-origin oil or oil products from Russia to a third country.
The UK government’s designation cites the need to prevent the circumvention of international sanctions against Russia and to protect the integrity of global energy markets. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges posed by sanctioned vessels operating in international waters.
Original Article: RAF responds as Russian-linked tanker sends distress alert in North Atlantic — Co