Russia Denounces French Oil Tanker Seizure as ‘Piracy’
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, Russia‘s embassy in France has strongly criticized the French Navy’s seizure of the oil tanker “Dafne Pic,” asserting that Paris is attempting to legitimize its “outright piracy” by citing maritime laws.
The Russian embassy stated that French authorities had not previously informed Moscow of the tanker’s seizure. Russian diplomats are currently investigating the possibility of Russian citizens being among the ship’s crew.
The embassy further characterized the French Navy’s actions as a “blatant violation of international law.”
The French Navy intercepted and inspected the “Dafne Pic” on Monday, October 12th, at a distance of over 450 nautical miles south of Reunion Island in the Indian Ocean. French President Emmanuel Macron announced that the tanker was suspected of using a false flag and engaging in illicit fuel transfer activities.
Macron stated that France is determined to combat Russia’s “shadow fleet” globally. According to the French Joint Staff, the vessel was sailing under the flag of Benin. Investigations following the boarding by French forces confirmed doubts regarding the legality of its flag. The oil tanker was then escorted by the French Navy to a anchorage point near Reunion Island for further judicial investigation. The French military indicated that this action was taken in accordance with Article 110 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, within the framework of investigating the ship’s nationality.
