British armed forces have intercepted a Russian shadow fleet vessel in the Channel in a dramatic first UK-led operation of its kind.
Royal Marine commandos and specially trained law enforcement officers from the National Crime Agency boarded the sanctioned Smyrtos during a six-hour operation in the early hours of Sunday.
In video released by the Ministry of Defence, helicopters can be seen carrying out the interception as forces “fast-rope” onto the vessel.
@keirstarmer Another bad day to be Vladimir Putin. 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.
♬ original sound - Keir Starmer
Further video clips show heavily-armed personnel conducting searches of cabins aboard the vessel, while officers from the NCA inspect documentation and paperwork.
The Smyrtos will be provisionally moved to an anchorage off the south coast of England and be monitored for any environmental or safety concerns.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the operation was supported by aircraft from the Maritime Air Group (Chinooks, Merlin Mk4 and Wildcat), an RAF P-8 aircraft, and HMS Sutherland and HMS Ledbury.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said in a statement: “This operation delivers yet another blow to Russia and reminds those fuelling (President Vladimir) Putin’s war in Ukraine that they cannot hide.
“I want to pay tribute to all those involved, including our armed forces and law enforcement officers who keep this country safe 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.”
Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis said: “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.”
Mr Jarvis was appointed Defence Secretary on Thursday following the resignation of John Healey in a row over defence funding.
Attorney General Lord 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.
“I pay tribute to the extraordinary courage and professionalism of our armed forces personnel, and everyone else involved.”
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch wrote on X: “I pay tribute to the brave Royal Marine Commandos who boarded a Russian shadow fleet oil tanker overnight in the English Channel.
“Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine is funded by their oil exports in defiance of sanctions.
“As Leader of the Opposition, I support the Government in standing with Ukraine.”
