Italian Navy Boards Tanker from Russian Shadow Fleet
The Italian Navy boarded a tanker from Russia’s shadow fleet in international waters near Pantelleria, an island located between Sicily and Tunisia, as part of Operation EUNAVFOR MED IRINI, the European Union mission in the Mediterranean monitoring arms and oil trafficking. The inspection was carried out by the Italian navy on Sunday morning, 2 August.
The tanker, Toa Payoh, is subject to European Union sanctions and belongs to the so-called Russian ‘shadow fleet’. It has undergone nationality verification, which for ships is determined by the flag they are authorised to fly. The Toa Payoh is sailing under the declared flag of Cameroon. The tanker left the port of Cotonou in Benin on 16 July bound for Istanbul.
Initially, the tanker’s master did not provide the requested cooperation. A team of Italian military personnel then reached the vessel by helicopter from the ship Thaon di Revel and carried out the planned checks. The operation was supported by a Greek ship and a Polish patrol aircraft, and lasted around two hours, concluding routinely and in complete safety.
Defence Minister Congratulates Crew
Defence Minister Guido Crosetto praised the professionalism, preparation, and resolve of the crew of the ship Thaon di Revel and all service personnel involved in the operation. He noted that this activity is a concrete demonstration of Italy’s contribution to the security of the Mediterranean and to the European Union‘s action.
Compliance with International Law
The operation was carried out in full compliance with Article 110 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which allows a naval vessel, when the conditions laid down are met, to carry out the necessary checks on the nationality of a merchant ship and the flag it is authorised to fly. The Italian authorities are currently reviewing the information and documentation obtained during the inspection.
The successful operation demonstrates Italy’s commitment to upholding international law and maintaining regional security in the Mediterranean.
Original Article: Italian Navy boards tanker from Russian shadow fleet — Aol