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British military personnel and law enforcement officers carried out a major operation in the English Channel early Sunday, boarding and detaining a vessel believed to be part of Russia's so-called "shadow fleet" used to bypass international sanctions on oil exports.
The operation, which lasted approximately six hours, involved Royal Marine Commandos, officers from the National Crime Agency (NCA), and support from the Royal Air Force (RAF). Authorities boarded the oil tanker Smyrtos as it passed through UK waters, marking the first time Britain has exercised new powers allowing forces to intercept sanctioned vessels in this way.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed that the tanker is now being held off the south coast of England while investigations continue.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer praised the operation, describing it as a significant step in efforts to disrupt Russia's ability to fund its war in Ukraine.
"This successful operation delivers another blow to Russia and sends a clear message that those supporting Vladimir Putin's war machine cannot evade accountability," Starmer said.
According to maritime tracking data, the Smyrtos is currently anchored near Weymouth. The vessel departed from Russia's Ust-Luga oil terminal near St. Petersburg on 5 June before entering the English Channel over the weekend.
The tanker was sanctioned in July 2025 and has since undergone multiple identity changes, including a name change from Myrtos to Smyrtos and two separate flag registrations. It currently sails under the flag of Cameroon.
Western governments have accused Russia of operating a vast "shadow fleet" of aging oil tankers designed to circumvent sanctions imposed following the invasion of Ukraine. The UK government estimates that more than 700 vessels are involved in the network, transporting the majority of Russia's sanctioned oil exports.
Britain introduced new enforcement powers earlier this year, enabling authorities to board and inspect sanctioned ships passing through UK territorial waters. Officials say the move forms part of broader efforts to reduce Russian oil revenues and weaken funding for Moscow's military activities.
The UK has already sanctioned more than 500 vessels linked to Russia's shadow fleet. These sanctions prohibit the ships from entering British ports and prevent UK-based companies from providing insurance, financial services, or brokerage support.
The operation involved extensive military support, including aircraft from the Maritime Air Group, an RAF P-8 Poseidon surveillance aircraft, and Royal Navy vessels HMS Sutherland and HMS Ledbury.
Former Armed Forces Minister Al Carns explained that such operations typically involve helicopters approaching at low altitude, with personnel fast-roping onto vessels before securing them and escorting them into territorial waters.
Officials indicated that further interceptions could follow if similar opportunities arise.
Attorney General Richard Hermer welcomed the action, stating that the government remains committed to using international law to target Russia's sanctions-evasion activities.
The operation was conducted in close cooperation with French authorities. It follows a similar incident earlier this month when French forces intercepted a sanctioned tanker suspected of involvement in Russia's shadow fleet, reportedly with support from the UK.
The seizure comes amid ongoing debate over Britain's defence spending plans, with several senior government figures recently resigning over concerns that proposed military investment levels are insufficient to address growing security threats.
