An Italian-led EU naval mission boarded an oil tanker in the Mediterranean Sea linked to Russia’s so-called shadow fleet, Italy’s defense ministry announced.
The oil tanker while sailing from Cotonou, Benin, to Istanbul was intercepted west of Pantelleria in the morning of August 2.
Italian officials said ITS Thaon di Revel, the flagship of operation Eurnavfor Med Irini, the European Union’s mission in the Mediterranean, carried out an inspection on the oil tanker, which is subject to EU sanctions, in order to verify its nationality, which for ships is determined by the flag they are authorized to fly.
Initially, the tanker’s master did not provide the requested cooperation, the defense ministry said.
An Italian military boarding team was then deployed by helicopter from ITS Thaon di Revel and carried out the required inspections.
The operation, conducted with the support of a Greek naval vessel and a Polish maritime patrol aircraft, lasted approximately two hours.
The operation ended without incident.
The information and documentation collected during the inspection are currently being examined.
“I would like to congratulate the crew of ITS Thaon di Revel and all the military personnel involved in the operation for the professionalism, preparedness and determination they demonstrated. This activity once again provides tangible evidence of Italy’s contribution to security in the Mediterranean and to the European Union’s efforts,” said Italian defence minister Guido Crosetto.
