Italian naval forces boarded a sanctioned oil tanker sailing under Cameroon's flag off the island of Pantelleria on Sunday morning, intercepting a vessel linked to Russia's so-called shadow fleet in international waters.
The frigate Thaon di Revel, flagship of the EU's EUNAVFOR MED IRINI mission, approached the Toa Payoh after the tanker departed Cotonou, Benin, on July 16 bound for Istanbul. When the ship's captain initially refused to cooperate, a team of Italian service members was deployed aboard by helicopter. A Greek naval vessel and a Polish patrol aircraft supported the operation, which lasted roughly two hours and ended without incident.
The boarding was conducted under Article 110 of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea to verify the vessel's declared nationality. Italy's Defence Ministry said information and documents seized during the inspection are being reviewed. Defence Minister Guido Crosetto praised the crew for their professionalism and resolve.