Russian Shadow Fleet Tanker False Emergency Triggers UK and Irish Coast Guard Response

Tanker Myra Declares False Emergency Off Irish Coast

A Russian-linked oil tanker sailing under the Cameroon flag triggered a multi-agency international response after broadcasting a false distress signal 350 nautical miles off the Isle of Mull on October 24. The vessel, named the Myra, was travelling through severe weather within the Irish Exclusive Economic Zone while empty of cargo when it activated its emergency alert, prompting military aircraft from the United Kingdom and maritime patrols from Ireland to investigate the situation.

The ship carried 21 people on board and was en route from the Russian Baltic Sea port of Ust-Luga down to Port Said in Egypt. The Myra is part of Russia’s shadow fleet, which regularly transports sanctioned oil cargoes. The vessel is currently listed on a sanctions list implemented following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

British and Irish Aircraft Intercept Tanker in Heavy Seas

Weather conditions across the region were perilous at the time of the incident. Met Éireann had issued a status red marine warning for the north and northwest coast of Ireland as Storm Boelo arrived in the area, sources reported. Responding to the distress call amidst the severe weather, the British Coastguard despatched a Royal Air Force P8 Poseidon maritime surveillance aircraft to locate the ship.

The RAF patrol plane established radio contact with the Myra’s crew. The crew informed British military personnel that the emergency broadcast was a false alarm triggered accidentally as the ship exited an area of particularly high seas, a detail confirmed by the British Maritime and Coastguard Agency. Simultaneously, the Irish Coast Guard deployed its Beechcraft aircraft to the scene to take images and verify the safety of the vessel. The Irish crew also made contact with the ship and received confirmation that there were no onboard emergencies.

Shadow Fleet Monitoring Highlights Regional Security Risks

The incident underlines ongoing maritime monitoring operations directed at Russian shadow fleet vessels. British forces have previously boarded and inspected Russian tankers, including operations in the English Channel last June. Officials from both nations continue to track the Myra as it proceeds on its southern route.

A statement released by the Irish Coast Guard outlined their operational role: “In support of the UK Coastguard, the Irish Coast Guard has been providing support in an operation in the UK Search and Rescue Region off the Northwest coast.” The agency added that the deployed aircraft confirmed a false alert and that authorities continue to monitor the tanker’s onward track.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the Myra trigger a distress alert?

The crew of the Myra confirmed to responding British and Irish aviation units that the emergency signal activated mistakenly as the ship navigated out of an area of exceptionally high seas caused by Storm Boelo.

Which military aircraft responded to the tanker?

The British Royal Air Force deployed a P8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, while the Irish Coast Guard despatched a Beechcraft surveillance plane to intercept and photograph the vessel.

What is the destination and cargo status of the Myra?

The tanker is sailing under the Cameroon flag and is listed as being in ballast, meaning it is empty, while travelling from Ust-Luga in Russia to Port Said in Egypt.

More on Russian: Lithuania Suspects Russian Sabotage After Starlink Arson Attack · Trump shift on Russian diesel and policy delivers moral blow to Ukraine · Ukrainian Authorities: Russian Strikes Kill at Least 9 People