On the morning of Sunday, 2 August, the Italian vessel Thaon di Revel conducted an inspection of a tanker linked to the so-called Russian shadow fleet. The operation took place in international waters near Pantelleria, an island situated between Sicily and Tunisia. The vessel, identified as the Toa Payoh, is subject to European Union sanctions and was sailing under the declared flag of Cameroon.
The interception was carried out as part of Operation EUNAVFOR MED IRINI, the European Union's mission in the Mediterranean tasked with monitoring arms and oil trafficking. According to the Italian Ministry of Defence, the tanker had departed from the port of Cotonou in Benin on 16 July and was en route to Istanbul when it was intercepted west of Pantelleria. Reports indicate that the master of the tanker initially failed to provide the necessary cooperation. Consequently, a team of Italian military personnel was deployed via helicopter from the Thaon di Revel to board the vessel and perform the required checks.
The operation, which lasted approximately two hours, was conducted with the support of a Greek ship and a Polish patrol aircraft. The Ministry of Defence confirmed that the mission concluded routinely and in complete safety. This intervention was executed in accordance with Article 110 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which permits naval vessels to verify the nationality and authorized flag of merchant ships under specific conditions.
Defence Minister Guido Crosetto commended the crew of the Thaon di Revel and all personnel involved for their professionalism, preparation, and resolve. He stated that the operation serves as a concrete demonstration of Italy’s commitment to Mediterranean security and the broader actions of the European Union. Italian authorities are currently reviewing the documentation and information obtained during the inspection.
