French President Emmanuel Macron announced on June 1 that the French Navy, with support from the United Kingdom, had seized the Russian oil tanker Tagor in the Atlantic Ocean. The vessel is subject to international sanctions.
Video Shows Armed Boarding Operation
On the social network X (formerly Twitter), Emmanuel Macron posted a video showing an armed group boarding the tanker.
Macron’s Full Statement
“The operation was carried out in the Atlantic Ocean with the support of several partners, including the UK… It is unacceptable for vessels to circumvent international sanctions… and they financed the war that Russia has been waging against Ukraine for more than 4 years. These vessels, which do not comply with even the most basic rules of maritime navigation, also pose a threat to the environment and the safety of all.”
— Emmanuel Macron, President of France
Vessel Details: Tagor Tanker Specifications
According to Marine Traffic, the Tagor is an oil tanker with the following specifications:
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Length: 252 meters
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Width: 44 meters
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Flag: Madagascar
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Route: In early May, the tanker departed from the port of Murmansk and was heading toward Cameroon
Part of Russia’s “Shadow Fleet”
The seizure of the Tagor is not an isolated incident. There have been several cases of tankers belonging to Russia’s “shadow fleet” being intercepted:
| Date | Vessel Name | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Early October 2025 | Boracay | Atlantic Ocean |
| January 2026 | Grinch | Mediterranean Sea |
| March 2026 | Dana (sailing under Mozambique flag) | Mediterranean Sea |
