Italian-led EU force boards sanctioned Russian shadow-fleet tanker off Pantelleria after captain refuses to cooperate

The boarding

The tanker Toa Payoh, sailing under the flag of Cameroon and subject to European Union sanctions, was intercepted west of the Italian island of Pantelleria on Sunday, 2 August. The vessel had departed Cotonou, Benin, on 16 July and was en route to Istanbul. It belongs to what the EU describes as Russia's "shadow fleet," a network of older tankers used to circumvent restrictions on Russian oil exports imposed after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The ship's captain initially failed to provide the requested cooperation. In response, a team of Italian military personnel boarded the vessel from a helicopter launched by the Thaon di Revel, the flagship of the EU's EUNAVFOR MED Irini operation. The inspection lasted about two hours and was completed safely, according to Italy's Defence Ministry.

I wish to congratulate the personnel of the Thaon di Revel and all the military personnel involved in the operation for the professionalism, preparation and firmness they demonstrated. This activity also concretely demonstrates Italy's contribution to the security of the Mediterranean and the action of the European Union.

Multinational support

The operation was carried out with the support of a Greek vessel and a Polish M28 Bryza B1R maritime patrol aircraft. Poland's Armed Forces Operational Command confirmed the Polish contingent's involvement, stating it underscores effective cooperation within the mission. The boarding took place in international waters under the EU mandate and in full respect of Article 110 of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which permits a military vessel to verify a merchant ship's nationality and flag registration under prescribed conditions.

The shadow fleet

The term "shadow fleet" refers to a network of aging tankers, often with opaque ownership structures and operating under frequently changing flags, that Western governments say helps Russia maintain revenue from raw-material exports despite sanctions. Rai news reported the network comprises over 80 old tankers that frequently sail with transponders off and register under flags of convenience to mask real ownership and cargo origin. Cameroonian authorities had previously announced the deregistration of 39 vessels believed to have been unlawfully using the country's flag.

A widening enforcement effort

Sunday's boarding was the second such operation in under two weeks. On 20 July, forces participating in the EU Irini operation inspected the tanker MV South Star, also suspected of using a false flag. The EU expanded Irini's mandate in June, authorising it to conduct verification boardings of vessels suspected of sailing under false flags as part of the broader effort to tighten enforcement against Russian maritime traffic. The documentation obtained during the Toa Payoh inspection is now under examination by Italian authorities and may be used by national authorities for further action. The tanker was not seized or escorted to port; forces concluded the inspection at sea.

Broader conflict context

The boarding occurred against the backdrop of intensified reciprocal strikes between Russia and Ukraine. On the same day, Ukrainian attacks against Russia caused at least 9 deaths, while Russian attacks against Ukraine caused at least 5, according to La Stampa. The exchange of attacks comes as both Moscow and Kyiv escalate the scale and intensity of their strikes, with UN data indicating civilian casualties in Ukraine have risen sharply this year due to Russia's increased use of long-range missiles that are difficult to intercept.