Italian military boards Russian tanker — details
Italian military conducted the first forced boarding of the tanker Toa Payoh, flying the flag of Cameroon and linked to Russia's 'shadow fleet', in the Mediterranean Sea. The inspection team landed from a helicopter after the captain refused to cooperate. The operation took place within the EUNAVFOR MED IRINI mission, coordinated with Greece and Poland. The aim was to check documentation and cargo.
Italian military sailors conducted the first forced boarding of a commercial tanker linked to Russia's 'shadow fleet' in the Mediterranean Sea. The inspection team landed from a helicopter onto the deck of the vessel Toa Payoh, flying the flag of Cameroon. The reason was the captain's refusal to comply with the demands of the Italian patrol ship ITS Thaon di Revel. The operation was carried out in coordination with the Greek and Polish navies under the EUNAVFOR MED IRINI mission. The goals were to stop the vessel, inspect the premises, and verify documentation and cargo origin. This is the first officially recorded case of a physical boarding of a vessel in the 'gray scheme' of oil product transportation in Russia's interests. The actions of European forces indicate a tightening of control over compliance with sanctions and maritime law.