Moment French Navy boards 'shadow fleet' oil tanker in the Indian Ocean

Updated: 13/10/2026 - 13:21 GMT+2

Footage shows the French Navy intercepting an oil tanker suspected of belonging to Russia’s shadow fleet in the Indian Ocean.

French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Monday that the navy had boarded the DF Peak, suspected of sailing under a false flag and transporting fuel illegally.

The vessel, flying a Beninese flag, was diverted and escorted by French Navy ships to an anchorage off the coast of Réunion, where it will be subject to a judicial investigation.

The interception comes as Western countries step up efforts to enforce sanctions against Russia over its war in Ukraine.