UK Royal Marines intercept Russian 'shadow fleet' oil tanker in English Channel

British Royal Marines and National Crime Agency officers successfully intercepted and boarded a Russian "shadow fleet" oil tanker, identified as the Smyrtos, in the English Channel during a six-hour operation on Sunday, June 14, 2026. This action, supported by naval and air assets, marks the first UK-led operation of its kind targeting vessels that help fund Russia's war in Ukraine by circumventing sanctions. The tanker, reportedly sailing under a Cameroonian flag but potentially stateless, was halted in international waters.

The operation saw commandos rappel onto the vessel, while NCA officials began inspecting its documentation. The Smyrtos, carrying over 100,000 tonnes of Russian crude oil, will now be detained and monitored off England's south coast for ongoing environmental and safety inspections.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed that he directed the interception, emphasizing it delivers a blow to Russia's war efforts. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has also expressed gratitude for the UK's "important step" in disrupting the shadow fleet.