British armed forces intercepted and boarded a Russian shadow fleet oil tanker in the English Channel in the early hours of Sunday, Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed. The operation, the first of its kind led by the UK, involved Royal Marine commandos and officers from the National Crime Agency (NCA) who took control of the vessel, named Smyrtos, which was sailing under a false Cameroonian flag.
The six-hour operation saw the vessel now anchored off the coast of Dorset near Weymouth, according to the tracking website Marine Traffic. Authorities stated it would be monitored for environmental or safety concerns. British authorities identify the Smyrtos as one of 700 vessels in a shadow fleet responsible for carrying 75% of Russia's oil exports, which are under international sanctions. This fleet provides Russia with a critical financial lifeline, enabling oil sales to fund its war against Ukraine.
First UK-Led Interdiction
This operation marks the first time the UK has led such an endeavor, having previously supported the French military in similar actions in the Atlantic. Writing on X, Starmer said he directed UK armed forces to intercept the oil tanker as it attempted to sail into the Channel. "This successful operation delivers yet another blow to Russia and reminds those fuelling Putin's war in Ukraine that we will not let them hide," the prime minister stated. He thanked all involved, including armed forces and law enforcement officers who keep the country safe 24/7.
Government and Military Reactions
Dan Jarvis, who became defence secretary on Thursday after John Healey's resignation, praised the operation's skill, professionalism, and courage. "Russia relies on its shadow fleet to fund their conflict in Ukraine, and our interdiction delivers a blow to Putin's illegal war," he said. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) noted that the operation was supported by aircraft from the Maritime Air Group, including Chinooks, Merlin Mk4, and Wildcat helicopters, an RAF P-8 aircraft, and navy vessels HMS Sutherland and HMS Ledbury.
Calling it a "blow to Putin's war chest," the MoD emphasized close cooperation with France and highlighted the UK's leadership in tackling the shadow fleet, having sanctioned over 500 vessels. "These sanctions are working," the ministry said, citing a 24% year-on-year drop in Russia's oil and gas revenues in 2025. Starmer announced in March that he had granted permission for British military to board sanctioned ships in UK waters.
Attorney General Richard Hermer wrote on LinkedIn: "This government made clear that we would pursue Russia's shadow fleet under the full force of international law. Russia relies on their shadow fleet tankers to fund their conflict in Ukraine, and this expertly delivered interdiction strikes another blow at Putin's war machine."
Details of the Operation
Al Carns, who resigned as armed forces minister on Thursday night, told the BBC: "While we were sleeping safely last night, there were marines and navy and air force personnel boarding helicopters, flying low level over the sea, rearing up before the ship, fast roping on to the ship, securing it, and then taking it into our territorial waters. An amazing operation, excellently prosecuted by our Royal Marines and others."
When asked why such action had not been taken before, Carns explained that a Russian frigate had previously been in the Channel protecting some ships. "It was about hitting the right parameters to make sure that everything from legal to the cargo met the requirements for boarding," he said. He noted that the UK has assisted other nations, including the US and France, with similar boardings and suggested that more such operations may follow as opportunities arise.
