Royal Marine Commandos Board Sanctioned Russian Shadow Fleet Tanker SMYRTOS in English Channel

ENGLISH CHANNEL — Royal Marine Commandos and National Crime Agency officers boarded the sanctioned Russian shadow fleet oil tanker SMYRTOS in international waters of the English Channel in the early hours of June 14.

The six-hour operation was the first UK-led interdiction of its kind against vessels linked to Russian efforts to evade oil sanctions. UK forces secured the vessel, which now sits at anchor off the south coast of England under monitoring while investigations proceed.

The tanker, identified by IMO number 9389100 according to UK sanctions records and vessel tracking data, is a crude oil tanker built in 2009. It loaded more than 100,000 tons of Urals crude, according to vessel tracking data and UK sanctions records, in Russia on June 5 and was en route to India when intercepted.

Vessel tracking and sanctions records indicate the tanker operated under a Cameroon flag of convenience that faced de-registration questions around the time of the boarding.

Interception and Boarding of the SMYRTOS

British forces intercepted SMYRTOS as it transited the Channel. Royal Marine Commandos and specially trained National Crime Agency officers boarded the tanker.

The boarding occurred in international waters and followed authorities granted in March for such actions under international law, including UNCLOS Article 110 provisions for right of visit where reasonable grounds exist to suspect a vessel lacks nationality.

Supporting elements included aircraft from the Maritime Air Group (Chinook, Merlin Mk4 and Wildcat helicopters), an RAF P-8 Poseidon aircraft, the Type 23 frigate HMS SUTHERLAND, and the Hunt-class mine-hunter HMS LEDBURY.

The operation ran in close coordination with French authorities and built on prior UK support to US and French interdictions. The vessel will remain at a provisional anchorage off the south coast for environmental and safety monitoring.

National Crime Agency investigations into sanctions compliance continue. The tanker had 25 crew members aboard at the time of boarding.

Vessel Background

SMYRTOS sails under a Cameroon flag of convenience. It is listed among UK-sanctioned vessels for involvement in the transport of Russian oil above price-cap thresholds.

The tanker departed the Russian Baltic port of Ust-Luga on June 5 and was heading toward Port Said, Egypt, according to earlier tracking before the interception adjusted the operational picture.

Public tracking data placed the vessel in the Channel on June 13 before the boarding. UK sanctions records note prior name and flag changes consistent with patterns used by vessels seeking to obscure ownership and sanctions exposure. The vessel is recorded as a crude oil tanker with IMO 9389100, subject to sanctions by the UK, EU and other jurisdictions.

What to Watch

• Announcements on the outcome of National Crime Agency investigations or any legal proceedings against SMYRTOS or its operators.

• Public statements from Russian authorities or the Cameroon flag state regarding the boarding and any flag status developments.

• AIS or satellite tracking showing changes in other shadow fleet routing through the English Channel or Dover Strait.

• Additional UK or allied interdiction operations in the weeks following June 14.

• Any updates to UK sanctions lists that name further vessels or entities connected to this case.

Official Statements

Keir Starmer, Prime Minister, June 14: “In the early hours of this morning, I directed our Armed Forces to intercept a shadow fleet oil tanker attempting to pass through the English Channel. This successful operation delivers yet another blow to Russia and reminds those fueling Putin’s war in Ukraine that we will not let them hide. I want to thank those involved, including our Armed Forces and law enforcement officers who keep this country safe 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.”

UK Defense Ministry, June 14: “This morning, UK forces boarded a Russian tanker in the English Channel that was secretly helping to bankroll Putin’s war in Ukraine. The first operation of its kind led by British forces, and a clear message: there is nowhere to hide.”

Dan Jarvis, Defense Secretary, June 14: “Operations like this require skill, professionalism and courage. I pay tribute to our Armed Forces personnel and all those involved. Russia relies on its shadow fleet to fund their conflict in Ukraine and our interdiction delivers a blow to Putin’s illegal war.”