French Navy intercepts Russian tanker DF Peak near Réunion

The French Navy intercepted the DF Peak, a 244-meter Russian oil tanker, in the Indian Ocean approximately 830 kilometers south of Réunion. The vessel, which carries 110,000 tonnes, is suspected of being part of a Russian ‘ghost fleet’ used to circumvent international sanctions imposed by the European Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Investigations revealed significant irregularities regarding the ship’s Beninese flag. The vessel has undergone multiple identity changes, previously operating as the NS Captain and the Kaliningrad. Authorities are investigating whether the use of the Beninese flag constitutes maritime fraud and an infringement on Benin’s sovereignty.

The prefecture of Réunion has established security perimeters around the tanker, prohibiting navigation and nautical activities within a 1,000-meter radius during its transit and a 500-meter radius while anchored in La Possession bay. These measures were implemented due to the ship’s failure to emit an Automatic Identification System (AIS) signal. The 21 crew members have been detained for 48 hours pending further investigation.