Operatives of EUNAVFOR MED approach tanker MV SOUTH STAR, suspected by the EU officials to be sailing under a false flag, in this still image obtained from social media with date given as July 20, 2026, released July 22, 2026. Kaja Kallas via X via REUTERS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES Verification lines: Reuters identified the vessel as SOUTH STAR from the superstructure, crane and the deck, which matched archive imagery of the vessel. The location and date of photos could not be verified, but no older versions were found posted online before July 22. Ship tracking data showed the SOUTH STAR off the coast of Malta on July 20.