French Navy Inspects Russian Oil Tanker Tagor in Atlantic, Diverts It Over Flag Irregularity

The French navy boarded the oil tanker Tagor on Sunday morning in international waters more than 400 nautical miles west of the tip of Brittany. An inspection team examined the vessel’s documents and confirmed the irregularity of the flag it was flying. The Tagor, which had departed Murmansk, Russia, was then diverted in accordance with international law at the request of the public prosecutor.

President Emmanuel Macron said the operation took place with support from several partners, including the United Kingdom, and was conducted in strict compliance with the law of the sea. “The French Navy intercepted a new tanker under international sanctions yesterday morning, originating from Russia: the Tagor,” he wrote.

” Macron added that it is unacceptable for ships to circumvent international sanctions, violate the law of the sea, and fund the war that Russia has been waging against Ukraine for more than four years.

He also stated that such vessels pose a threat to the environment and to everyone’s safety. The Tagor was under international sanctions at the time of the boarding. The Maritime Prefecture of the Atlantic said the operation was aimed at checking the nationality of a vessel suspected of flying a false flag.

After boarding and document review, authorities determined the flag was irregular and ordered the diversion. Britain and France have both stated their intent to obstruct ships linked to Russia’s sanctioned shadow fleet that pass through their waters.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced earlier this year that Britain’s commandos would be able to board and halt Moscow’s shadow fleet vessels as they ferried oil through UK waters.

Shipping data shows that dozens of sanctioned ships linked to Russia continue to cross UK waters, and none have been seized by the British navy so far.