French naval forces boarded the tanker Tagor off Brittany amid concerns over its nationality and compliance with international sanctions.
French naval forces boarded the tanker Tagor in the Atlantic Ocean on 31 May during a flag-control operation more than 400 nautical miles west of Brittany, after the vessel had departed Murmansk, reports Saint Petersburg's PortNews.
The operation was launched after doubts emerged over the vessel's nationality and the suspected use of a false flag. French authorities stated that checks of the ship's documents confirmed irregularities in its flag status.
The case was referred to the Brest prosecutor, and the tanker was escorted for further checks. President Emmanuel Macron indicated that the ship was subject to international sanctions and that the operation was carried out in international waters with support from partners, including the United Kingdom.
The Prefecture maritime de l'Atlantique is the French state maritime authority responsible for safety, security, and state action at sea in the Atlantic maritime zone.
Marine nationale is France's naval force, operating under the Ministry of the Armed Forces and carrying out defense, maritime security, and state-action missions at sea.
