Overview
- The tanker Grinch has been escorted to and anchored off Marseille, where gendarmes plan inspections and crew interviews.
- The 58-year-old Indian captain was taken into custody on Saturday, while the rest of the Indian crew remains aboard.
- French Navy units detained the ship on January 22 in the Mediterranean to verify ownership over suspected false-flag use.
- The Marseille prosecutor’s office has opened an investigation following the Navy’s report.
- The operation was conducted with allied assistance, particularly from Britain, and Russia’s diplomatic mission says it was not notified and is checking for any nationals on board.