The situation in regards to Malta.
No Russian war ships will be refuelled in Malta, Foreign Minister George Vella said today, dismissing claims that the flotilla was planning a stopover on the island on their way to Syria.
Contacted by Times of Malta, Dr Vella would not, however, confirm or deny whether a request had been made by the Russians for a fleet stopover in Malta.
It is not known whether any request from the Russians was turned down on constitutional or ethical grounds.
Russian warships will not be refuelled in Malta - Opposition asks if permission was granted, then withdrawn, minister avoids direct reply - timesofmalta.com
The following Portugeuese Air Force video from earlier in the week provides an update on the tanker situation. In addition to Sergei Osipov there was also tanker Dubna and Kama.
https://www.facebook.com/PortugueseA...7575554048937/
From
https://www.facebook.com/PortugueseAirForce/?fref=nf
Confusion over Kama was due to the Marine Traffic AIS website having the incorrect Kama picture. That image shows the Murmansk registered Kama but the data is for a another Kama.
Vessel details for: KAMA (Ore/Oil Carrier) - IMO 8860822, MMSI 273431840, Call Sign UIPW Registered in Russia | AIS Marine Traffic
Northern Fleet Kama doesn't appear to be on AIS.
Tanker Dubna at following link but doesn't have AIS active.
https://www.vesselfinder.com/vessels/DUBNA-IMO-7347471
Tanker Osipov has now switched off AIS. This morning she was anchored off Morocco and then noted underway.
Vessel details for: OSIPOV (Unspecified) - MMSI 273546000, Call Sign Registered in Russia | AIS Marine Traffic
Tug Nikolay Chiker is underway and heading east. Position from HF Morse weather message during 13 UTC
RAL48 28121 99357 70027 22222 @1324Z
35.7N 02.7W Heading East at 6-10 Knots
https://goo.gl/maps/JsABa4Z345L2
Nikolay Chiker still on AIS as of 1817 UTC
Map Link
https://goo.gl/maps/8zBx7Ct65aA2
Vessel details for: NIKOLAY CHIKER (Tug) - IMO 8613334, MMSI 273531629, Call Sign RAL 48 Registered in Russia | AIS Marine Traffic