The Russian warship Boikiy, armed with guided missiles, reportedly transmitted a false identification code while traveling in the Channel, raising concerns about its intentions and protection of the shadow fleet.
Russian Warship Uses Fake ID to Navigate English Channel Alongside Sanctioned Tankers
Russian Warship Uses Fake ID to Navigate English Channel Alongside Sanctioned Tankers
A recent investigation reveals that a Russian corvette disguised its identity while escorting sanctioned oil tankers through the English Channel.
In a remarkable revelation, BBC Verify's investigation has uncovered that the Russian corvette Boikiy employed a deceptive identification signal while traversing the English Channel on Saturday, accompanied by two sanctioned oil tankers. This maneuver, described as part of Moscow's maritime strategy, appears to be a response to intensified Western actions against the so-called "shadow fleet," a network of tankers obscuring ownership to transport sanctioned oil.
The Boikiy, which matches the identification linked to the vessel thanks to advanced satellite imagery and tracking data, traveled alongside the Sierra and Naxos tankers, both known to be under UK sanctions. Experts indicate that the presence of the armed warship is meant to dissuade NATO nations from boarding these vessels, increasing the risk of confrontation.
First flagged by independent analyst Christian Panton via social media, the Boikiy left West Africa in June after a diplomatic mission, but its latest travel method raises eyebrows. Typically, Russian vessels avoid disclosing their position by deactivating their Automated Identification System (AIS), but the Boikiy adopted a rare approach by broadcasting under a generic code, a move considered atypical for such naval operations.
The Royal Navy reportedly monitored the vessel as it entered British waters, further corroborating the growing tension in the region. As the vessels proceeded toward the Baltic Sea, their ultimate destination remains unknown but may lead to Russian ports, escalating concerns over the implications of these maneuvers.
The Boikiy, which matches the identification linked to the vessel thanks to advanced satellite imagery and tracking data, traveled alongside the Sierra and Naxos tankers, both known to be under UK sanctions. Experts indicate that the presence of the armed warship is meant to dissuade NATO nations from boarding these vessels, increasing the risk of confrontation.
First flagged by independent analyst Christian Panton via social media, the Boikiy left West Africa in June after a diplomatic mission, but its latest travel method raises eyebrows. Typically, Russian vessels avoid disclosing their position by deactivating their Automated Identification System (AIS), but the Boikiy adopted a rare approach by broadcasting under a generic code, a move considered atypical for such naval operations.
The Royal Navy reportedly monitored the vessel as it entered British waters, further corroborating the growing tension in the region. As the vessels proceeded toward the Baltic Sea, their ultimate destination remains unknown but may lead to Russian ports, escalating concerns over the implications of these maneuvers.
