Archive · 2 Aug 2026
EU Mission Boards Russian Shadow Fleet Tanker in Mediterranean
An Italian-led EU naval mission boarded a tanker called the Toa Payoh in the Mediterranean.
The tanker was flagged under Cameroon but was thought to be part of Russia’s secret fleet that tries to hide its oil shipments.
The captain didn’t cooperate at first, so soldiers from a helicopter boarded the ship.
They checked the paperwork for about two hours and finished safely.
This action is part of the EU’s effort to stop Russia from selling oil while it is under sanctions for its invasion of Ukraine.
Italian-led EU naval mission boarded the Toa Payoh tanker in the Mediterranean.
The tanker, flagged under Cameroon, was suspected of being part of Russia’s “shadow fleet.”
The captain initially refused to cooperate, leading to a helicopter boarding by the Thaon di Revel.
The inspection lasted about two hours and was completed safely with support from Greek and Polish assets.
EU sanctions target vessels used by Russia to evade oil export restrictions after its Ukraine invasion.
- Who
- Italian Defence Ministry and EU naval forces
- What
- Boarded the Toa Payoh tanker suspected of being part of Russia’s shadow fleet
- When
- Sunday, August 2, 2024
- Where
- Mediterranean, west of the Italian island of Pantelleria
- Why
- To verify the vessel’s nationality and flag registration under EU sanctions
- Vessel name
- Toa Payoh
- Flag
- Cameroon
- Mission
- EUNAVFOR MED Irini
- Date of boarding
- August 2, 2024
- Location
- Mediterranean, west of Pantelleria
- Outcome
- Inspection completed safely