Belgian forces seize falsely flagged tanker Ethera in the North Sea with French support

Belgian special forces seized the product tanker Ethera in Belgium's exclusive economic zone in the North Sea, with direct support from the French navy, Lloyd's List reported. According to the publication, the 2007-built vessel was flying a false Guinean flag, was heading to load in Russia, and was escorted to the port of Zeebrugge. Lloyd's List said the tanker had been under EU and US sanctions since 2025 and was also listed by the UK. The operation, named Blue Intruder, drew on G7, Nordic and Baltic partners. Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot said sanctions only matter if enforced, adding: "Today, we enforced them."

This is a summary in our own words of the linked reporting. Allegations are those of the source. How we report.