Overview
- The French Navy boarded the tanker in the Alboran Sea under the UNCLOS right of visit, acting with allied support including the United Kingdom.
- Document checks raised doubts about the Comoros flag, prompting a report to the Marseille prosecutor and the opening of a judicial inquiry.
- The vessel is under escort to the Marseille‑Fos oil terminal for in‑port inspection, with arrival expected on Saturday morning, according to a source close to the case.
- Military‑released footage shows helicopter‑borne commandos taking control without resistance, with the crew appearing cooperative during the initial checks.
- The captain and roughly twenty crew members are under restrictive measures with phones confiscated, and further questioning is expected upon arrival, according to French media citing a source.