French authorities have refused entry to a Turkish livestock carrier after it arrived with undeclared seafarers.
The Toulon maritime prefecture said the 2,500-dwt Bruna (built 1977) had 22 Syrians and Indians on board, instead of the declared 16, when it entered territorial waters, the Midi Libre website reported.
The vessel was intercepted by the frigate Surcouf on Tuesday, 22 km offshore, and forced to turn around en route from Turkey to Sete in southern France.
AIS data showed the Comoros-flag ship in Palma on Spain's Majorca island on Friday morning.
"We had information, and we had to remove the doubt," the Toulon maritime authority was quoted as saying. The authority was on heightened alert due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
No relaxation
A French Navy helicopter and a speedboat from the customs department were also involved in the operation.
"Those who make false statements are not allowed to come to France. We will not relax on the subject," the authority added.
The operator is listed as IMS of Istanbul, which could not be contacted.
The Bruna, a converted general cargoship, was detained for four days in Spain in 2018. It had 10 deficiencies, including three grounds for detention, one of which was expired crew certificates.
