BBC: UK intercepts suspected Russian ‘shadow fleet’ oil tanker in English Channel

British armed forces have intercepted a tanker suspected of being part of Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” in the English Channel, according to a report by the BBC, citing statements from UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the Ministry of Defence.

The operation took place early on Sunday and lasted around six hours. Royal Marine Commandos and specially trained officers from the National Crime Agency boarded the vessel, Smyrtos, with support from the Royal Air Force.

According to the UK Ministry of Defence, the tanker is being held and monitored off England’s southern coast while investigations continue.

“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,” Starmer said, as quoted by the BBC.

The UK Government says Russia relies on a “shadow fleet” of tankers to circumvent international sanctions on its oil exports. The Ministry of Defence estimates that more than 700 vessels are involved in the network, which transports a significant share of Russia’s sanctioned oil.

The operation was carried out in coordination with France and involved aircraft from the Maritime Air Group, an RAF P-8 patrol aircraft, as well as the Royal Navy vessels HMS Sutherland and HMS Ledbury, the BBC reported.

According to shipping data cited by the media outlet, the Smyrtos sails under the flag of Cameroon and was anchored in the English Channel at the time of the operation.