Fact Check: "Boikiy traveled 200km from Conakry to the Canary Islands without AIS."
What We Know
The corvette Boikiy, a Russian naval ship, is reported to have left Conakry, Guinea, without activating its Automatic Identification System (AIS). This system is typically used by vessels to broadcast their identity and location to other ships and maritime authorities. According to a BBC Verify investigation, the Boikiy emitted a fake ID signal while traveling through the English Channel alongside two sanctioned oil tankers. The ship was tracked using satellite imagery and other data, which confirmed its dimensions and location, consistent with a journey from Conakry to the Canary Islands, approximately 200 kilometers away.
Experts noted that while military vessels often operate without AIS, the Boikiy's use of a generic identification number (400000000) is unusual, as it is typically employed by vessels wanting to indicate their presence without revealing their identity. This behavior was highlighted by Frederik Van Lokeren, an analyst and former Belgian navy lieutenant, who remarked on the uncommon nature of the Boikiy's actions, suggesting a deliberate attempt to camouflage its identity (BBC Verify).
Analysis
The claim that the Boikiy traveled 200km from Conakry to the Canary Islands without AIS is partially supported by the evidence. The investigation by BBC Verify provides credible information regarding the ship's journey and its operational tactics. The use of a fake ID signal and the absence of AIS are confirmed facts, indicating that the Boikiy was attempting to obscure its identity during its transit (BBC Verify).
However, it is important to note that while the ship was seen near the Canary Islands, the evidence does not definitively confirm that it was the Boikiy operating under the fake ID at that specific time. The tracking data and satellite imagery suggest a vessel matching the Boikiy's dimensions was present, but without direct confirmation of its identity at every point of the journey, there remains a degree of uncertainty.
The BBC's investigation is bolstered by the use of satellite imagery and expert analysis, lending credibility to the findings. However, as with any investigative reporting, there is a potential for bias, particularly given the geopolitical context surrounding Russian naval operations. The reliance on expert opinions and the interpretation of satellite data must be considered when evaluating the reliability of the sources.
Conclusion
The claim that the Boikiy traveled 200km from Conakry to the Canary Islands without AIS is Partially True. While there is substantial evidence supporting the assertion that the ship left Conakry without broadcasting its AIS and was tracked near the Canary Islands, the lack of definitive identification at every stage of the journey introduces some uncertainty. Thus, while the core elements of the claim are accurate, the specifics surrounding its identity and actions during the entire journey remain somewhat ambiguous.
