London: The British navy seized the oil tanker Smyrtos, a member of Russia's sanctioned Shadow Fleet, as it attempted to pass through the English Channel within British territorial waters.
According to Thai News Agency, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed the success, stating that a Royal Marines commando unit, along with specially trained officers from the National Crime Agency, successfully boarded and seized the oil tanker Smyrtos while it was anchored or attempting to pass through the English Channel. The intense operation lasted over six hours in the early hours of Sunday morning (June 14th). The mission was supported by air and sea from the Maritime Air Group, including Chinook helicopters, Merlin MK and Wildcat aircraft, RAF P-8 surveillance planes, as well as the HMS Sutherland and HMS Ledbury. The operation was conducted under international and domestic law, in close coordination with France.
The oil tanker Smirtos, registered under the Cameroonian flag and on the sanctions list, has been anchored off the south coast of England for authorities to inspect its safety structure and conduct a thorough investigation.
Starmer also stated that he was the direct commander and believed it would have another huge impact on the Russian economy. Defense Secretary Dan Jarvis emphasized that Russia relies on these "shadow" fleets to evade sanctions and raise funds, and that this disruption is a direct cut to Vladimir Putin's illegal warfare.
Previously, in March, the British government announced new legislation allowing the military and security agencies to intervene and detain sanctioned vessels in British waters. In the past, Britain has often participated in French-led operations, such as the interception of the oil tanker Tagor by Russia's shadow fleet in the Atlantic on May 31st. However, this operation marks the first time the United Kingdom has exercised its authority and directed a direct offensive in territorial waters.