Oil Tanker Coming from Russia Sent to Marseille for Inspection

The Marseille prosecutor's office has launched an investigation into the Grinch oil tanker, which French authorities believe is involved in violations of international sanctions, reports Associated Press.

AFP reports that the detained oil tanker was redirected to the Marseille-Fos port in southern France and is expected to arrive on Saturday morning.

The day before, French President Emmanuel Macron announced the seizure of the oil tanker that had arrived from 'Russia' in the Mediterranean Sea. He claimed that the vessel was flying a false flag and was subject to sanctions, and that its route had been altered.

The French Navy has inspected the oil tanker, with assistance from British military personnel.

According to authorities, the vessel in question is the Grinch oil tanker, which was en route from Murmansk.