The Italian Navy conducted an inspection of a Russian oil tanker in international waters situated near the island of Pantelleria, located between Sicily and Tunisia. This action was part of the broader European mission EUNAVFOR MED IRINI, an effort tasked with monitoring arms and oil traffic throughout the Mediterranean Sea. The Italian vessel, the “Thaon di Revel,” boarded the tanker named “Toa Payoh.” Reports indicate that the vessel is subject to European Union sanctions and has been categorized as part of a group referred to as the Russian “ghost fleet.” The purpose of the control was to verify the tanker’s nationality, which is officially determined by the flag under which it sails.
According to available data, the “Toa Payoh” was sailing under the flag of Cameroon. The tanker had departed on January 16th. This operation underscores ongoing maritime monitoring efforts aimed at enforcing international sanctions and tracking the movement of energy resources in the region.
The inspection highlights the continued focus on identifying the true origins and destinations of vessels operating in the Mediterranean.
Topics: #russian #near #operation
