UK Conducts First-Ever Interdiction of Russian Shadow Tanker
TDT | Manama
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Royal Marines boarded and seized a Russian-linked “shadow fleet” tanker in the English Channel during the first UK operation of its kind.
Personnel from 42 Commando, supported by officers from the National Crime Agency, took control of the sanctioned merchant vessel MV Smyrtos, marking the first UK-led interdiction of a vessel linked to Russia’s shadow fleet.
The six-hour operation was backed by naval and air assets, including the frigate HMS Sutherland and minehunter HMS Ledbury. RAF helicopters, including Merlin HC4, Wildcat, and Chinook aircraft, were also deployed. Footage released by the Ministry of Defence showed Royal Marines fast-roping onto the vessel from Chinooks during the boarding.
The operation was carried out in close coordination with French authorities, highlighting joint efforts to enforce maritime sanctions and security in the region.
The MV Smyrtos is currently stationary just south of Portland. The Ministry of Defence said the vessel will be escorted to an anchorage off the south coast of England, where it will be monitored for any environmental or safety risks while investigations continue.
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