Overview
- French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said the Grinch will exit French waters once several million euros are paid, with the vessel kept under observation until it leaves.
- The Maritime Prefecture reported that a Marseille court fined the shipowner for absence of a flag, though the official amount has not been disclosed.
- Regional outlet Var-Matin, citing port sources, reported a €3 million bail on the owner and noted naval escorts had withdrawn from the immediate area.
- The tanker was seized by the French Navy on January 22 to verify its identity over suspected false flag use and has been anchored at Fos-sur-Mer near Marseille since.
- Russia’s Foreign Ministry denies any connection to the vessel, while media accounts have described the ship as part of a so-called shadow fleet under sanctions scrutiny.