A second Russia-linked oil tanker has lost control while entering the Mediterranean Sea in less than a week, reported Bloomberg News.

The medium-range vessel Chariot Tide slowed abruptly near Tangier, Morocco, on January. 21 before its navigation status was changed to "Not under command," signalling it could not manoeuvre to avoid other ships.

The incident follows similar difficulties last week with another tanker, Progress, which also showed as "not under command." On the same day, the French navy boarded a Russian-linked oil carrier and diverted it to Marseille.

Critics warn Moscow's so-called shadow fleet, assembled to bypass western sanctions, poses environmental risks. These vessels often lack proper insurance, sail under questionable flags and have opaque ownership structures.

Over two days, the Chariot Tide moved slowly through the Strait of Gibraltar, stopping at points without entering port. By Saturday, it cleared Ceuta and continued east at three to four knots while still listed as "not under command."

The 19-year-old vessel, formerly named Marbella Sun, is sanctioned by the EU and UK for involvement in the Russian oil trade. It is carrying about 300,000 barrels of diesel loaded at Primorsk in Russia's Baltic Sea, according to Kpler data.

The Chariot Tide's manager is Clariton Shipping Ltd., registered in the Marshall Islands. Equasis records show the company was annulled in February 2025 and is no longer active, according to International Registries Inc.