France opens probe into Benin-flagged tanker Boracay off Saint-Nazaire

French authorities opened a judicial inquiry this week after the French Navy reported a suspected infraction by a Benin-flagged oil tanker, the Boracay, which has been anchored off Saint-Nazaire on France's Atlantic coast for several days. The case is centered on the crew's refusal to justify the vessel's nationality and other suspected violations, prosecutors and officials said, and the ship has been placed under close maritime surveillance while the probe continues.

The Brest public prosecutor's office said it had launched an investigation after receiving a report from the navy. Prosecutor Stephane Kellenberger said the inquiry concerns the crew's failure to justify the vessel's nationality and its refusal to cooperate with authorities. A representative of France's Atlantic Maritime Prefecture confirmed it filed a report with the public prosecutor and declined to provide further details while the investigation is underway. The navy has sent a patrol ship to monitor the tanker, which is anchored near the Saint-Nazaire wind farm.

The 244 meter tanker, built in 2007 and listed under the names Boracay and Pushpa after previously sailing as Kiwala, is subject to sanctions by the...