A recent investigation by BBC Verify has uncovered that a Russian warship, the Boikiy, disguised its identity while passing through the English Channel with two sanctioned oil tankers. The corvette, armed with guided missiles, broadcast a fake ID signal, appearing as a different ship on tracking sites.
The Incident
According to the investigation, the Boikiy was traveling alongside two vessels known to be part of Russia’s “shadow fleet,” a network of tankers used to transport sanctioned oil products. The tankers, Sierra and Naxos, have been sanctioned by the UK. The three vessels met at the mouth of the Channel on June 20, and the Boikiy was seen broadcasting a fake ID code as it passed through the waterway.
Expert Analysis
Experts believe that Russia’s actions may be an attempt to deter Western countries from intercepting the tankers. Dmitry Gorenburg, a senior research scientist at the Center for Naval Analyses, said, “The action seems designed to deter the UK and other Nato states from attempting to board and, or, seize these vessels, since the presence of a military escort heightens the risk of confrontation and further escalation.”
Unprecedented Action
Frederik Van Lokeren, an analyst and ex-lieutenant in the Belgian navy, noted that the Boikiy’s actions were unusual for a Russian naval vessel. “Normally, if the Russians want to remain hidden in secret, they just turn off their AIS signal,” he said. “So for them to be camouflaging as something else… it’s very, very uncommon.”
Response from Authorities
A UK defence ministry source confirmed that the Royal Navy shadowed the Boikiy as it passed through the Channel. Satellite images appear to show a ship tailing the Boikiy, but the BBC Verify cannot confirm that this is the Royal Navy ship.
Investigation Methodology
The BBC Verify investigation used satellite imagery, tracking data, and a video of the Boikiy passing under a bridge in Denmark to match the ID code to the warship. The investigation also reviewed photos and social media posts to track the ship’s movements.
Quote from the Investigation
Christian Panton, an independent open-source intelligence analyst, first drew attention to the Boikiy on social media. The investigation highlights the complexities of tracking ships at sea and the measures some vessels take to avoid detection.
The Russian embassy in London has been approached for comment. This incident raises questions about the security and enforcement of maritime law in the English Channel and the tactics employed by Russia to evade sanctions.
