Working Conditions Aboard the Deyna

**Title: 'Deyna' Tanker Freed Following Payment of Fine** On April 15, 2026, the 'Deyna' tanker was released after its owner faced legal repercussions at the Marseille Judicial Court. Under a plea bargain arrangement, the owner was required to pay a confiscation fine for failing to demonstrate the vessel's nationality, specifically due to the absence of a flag. This violation falls under the French Civil Code and is addressed in Article L. 5233-2 of the French Transport Code. In response to this situation, the shipping company has undertaken serious efforts and is committed to securing a new flag for the vessel in the near future. After the necessary legal procedures, the Prefect of Bouches-du-Rhône officially ordered the release of the 'Deyna', allowing it to exit French territorial waters. Even as the tanker set out on its journey, it was closely monitored by French maritime authorities under the oversight of the Maritime Prefect of the Mediterranean. The 'Deyna' is now en route to Rizhao, marking an important transition following the resolution of its legal issues.

**Title: 'Deyna' Tanker Anchored in Gulf of Fos Amid Investigation** On Friday, March 20, the tanker 'Deyna' made a course change to the western Mediterranean and was escorted by vessels from the French Navy. It entered the Gulf of Fos (Bouches-du-Rhône) early on the morning of March 20, anchoring at coordinates 43° 22' N 004° 59' E. The vessel is currently at the disposal of the Marseille public prosecutor as preliminary investigations begin regarding allegations of failing to properly display a flag. To ensure that investigations proceed safely and securely, the authorities have instituted exclusion zones of 500 meters by sea and 1.5 nautical miles (1,000 feet) by air surrounding the tanker. Enforcement of these measures is being managed by units from the Maritime Gendarmerie and the French Navy, who are monitoring the areas to maintain compliance with safety regulations.

**Title: French Navy Captures Russian Tanker Linked to Shadow Fleet** In a significant maritime operation, the French Navy successfully detained the 'Deyna', a tanker associated with Russia's elusive "shadow fleet." The interception took place on March 20, 2026, as the vessel was making its way from Murmansk to Port Said, just off the coast of Algeria. This strategic operation was conducted in conjunction with British forces, as reported by the French Mediterranean prefecture. The capture of the tanker's vessel comes amid heightened international scrutiny and sanctions against Russia, particularly following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine. As of yet, there has been no official reaction from Russian authorities regarding the seizure of the 'Deyna'. Historically, Russia has characterized similar actions against its tankers or those transporting its goods as acts of piracy. Following the detention, the prosecutor ordered the tanker to be escorted to a designated anchorage point for comprehensive inspections. This incident underscores the ongoing tensions in the region and the enforcement of maritime law amidst geopolitical conflicts. For a detailed report and accompanying visuals, visit: https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/french-navy-seizes-tanker-russia-suspected-flying-false-flag-mediterranean-2026-03-20/