Spain did not detain the oil tanker Chariot Tide, which is linked to the Russian “Shadow Fleet,” and escorted the vessel to the Moroccan port of Tangier-Med.
According to international agencies, the tanker suffered engine failure on January 22. The vessel was anchored off the coast of Morocco when a storm blew it east.
The Chariot Tide initially entered Morocco’s zone of responsibility, then entered international waters, but was within Spain’s search and rescue zone.
On January 27, the Spanish Maritime Rescue Service began an escort operation and ensured the tanker’s safe passage to the port of Tangier-Med.
⚠️ Furthermore:
- the vessel was not arrested;
- Spanish authorities have not officially commented on why detention measures were not taken;
- the operation was formally framed as a search and rescue operation, not as a control or sanctions intervention.
👉 The distinction between sanctions control and the duty to rescue ships in distress remains one of the most contentious topics in European waters.