EU Naval Operation Intercepts Russian Sanctioned Tanker in Mediterranean
On August 2, 2026, the Italian Navy, as part of the EU's Operation EUNAVFOR MED Irini, boarded the Russian tanker Toa Payoh in the Mediterranean Sea. The tanker, part of Russia's 'shadow fleet' and under EU sanctions, was intercepted west of the Italian island of Pantelleria. The operation aimed to verify the ship's nationality, as it was sailing under a Cameroonian flag. The Italian vessel Thaon di Revel led the boarding, supported by a Greek naval ship and a Polish maritime patrol aircraft. The ship's captain initially refused to cooperate, prompting Italian military personnel to board the vessel from a helicopter. The inspection lasted about two hours and was completed safely. 
