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For the first time, the UK has led the seizure of a suspected Russian \u2018shadow fleet\u2019 oil tanker, following in the footsteps of a number of NATO allies. Royal Marine Commandos and specialist civilian law enforcement officers were supported by Merlin, Wildcat, and Chinook helicopters, a P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, and the Royal Navy vessels HMS Sutherland and HMS Ledbury.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Smyrtos, which officially flies the flag of Cameroon, departed from a Russian port in the Baltic on Jun. 5, 2026. It has been listed on the UK\u2019s sanctioned vessels list since July of last year.<\/p>\n UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer previously announced in March<\/a> that seizure operations like this one had been given the legal all-clear. An official government press release<\/a> clarifies: \u201cUNCLOS Article 110 permits a warship to exercise a right of visit to verify the flag where there are reasonable grounds to suspect the vessel is without nationality. Where a vessel is determined stateless, the UK can exercise powers available under its domestic legislation.\u201d<\/p>\n Now anchored off Portland, Dorset, the vessel\u2019s long term future is likely yet to be decided. It will continue to be monitored for safety and environmental purposes.\u00a0<\/p>\n UK has seized a shadow tanker this morning.<\/p>\n SMYRTOS, 9389100, has an almost certainly false flag from Cameroon, Chinese owners and Indian managment.<\/p>\n Last port Ust Luga, Russia \u2013 hence laden with oil. https:\/\/t.co\/T6UfzEfX3O<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/Hj78RCQWKm<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 auonsson (@auonsson) June 14, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n The chosen location of the seizure notably put several of the UK\u2019s key maritime raiding capabilities directly into play. Naval helicopters could operate directly from their base at RNAS Yeovilton in Somerset, meanwhile \u2013 although the UK Government does not routinely comment or confirm details of operations by the UK Special Forces (UKSF) \u2013 the world-famous Special Boat Service (SBS) is headquartered nearby in Poole and maintained on standby for counter-terrorism and seizure operations such as this.\u00a0<\/p>\n 42 Commando from Bickleigh Barracks, Plymouth \u2013 who are confirmed to have had a major role in the operation \u2013 have also undergone specific preparations for boarding operations, and as of February 2026 were validated as part of the new Special Operations Maritime Task Group<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n Earlier this month, UK forces supported the French-led seizure of the tanker Tagor 400 nautical miles off the Brittany coast. The U.S., Belgium, Sweden, and Finland have all individually led similar operations.<\/p>\n BREAKING: Royal Marines, with support of personnel from the National Crime Agency, have boarded a sanctioned Russian oil tanker in the English Channel for the first time.<\/p>\n The vessel, the Smyrtos, was seized during a six-hour military operation which involved aircraft from the\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/hucZQfdurs<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Tom Cotterill (@TomCotterillX) June 14, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Russia\u2019s \u2018shadow fleet\u2019 comprises merchant vessels which are used to evade international sanctions. These ships regularly change their flag and their identities, masquerade as other vessels or hide completely on Automatic Identification System (AIS) screens, and use intermediary ships to refuel at sea to avoid needing to enter potentially non-friendly ports. One of the primary cargoes for Russia\u2019s fleet is oil, allowing Russia to continue moving product between friendly nations even while under sanctions.<\/p>\n No details have yet been released regarding what will happen to the members of crew found aboard the ship. Previous boardings by NATO allies have seen the vessel\u2019s captains arrested and facing prosecution<\/a>.<\/p>\n The operation was the first public undertaking by the UK Commando Force (UKCF) under its new name<\/a>. Formerly known as 3 Commando Brigade, UKCF is the special operations focused segment of the Royal Marines and comprises Royal Marines personnel as well as members of the Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, and British Army who have completed the All Arms Commando Course.\u00a0<\/p>\n My letter to the Prime Minister pic.twitter.com\/j9z9nmLCb1<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/theaviationist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/UKSeizesRussianTanker_2.jpg\")
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14th June \u2013 421 Commando of the UK Commando force conducting maritmed interdiction operations on CMR Smyrtos sailoing under a false Cameroonian flag. | Source: Crown Copyright 2026<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n
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