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UK armed forces board Russian shadow fleet oil tanker in English Channel, PM says
Royal Marine Commandos have boarded a Russian shadow fleet oil tanker in the English Channel in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Marines, joined by National Crime Agency officers, with the support of the RAF, intercepted and boarded the vessel in a six-hour operation – the first operation of its kind by UK armed forces.
The vessel, Smyrtos, will be held and monitored off the south coast of England as investigations continue, the MoD said.
Sir Keir Starmer said: "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."
British armed forces intercept Russian shadow fleet oil tanker in Channel
Keir Starmer says operation involving National Crime Agency has delivered ‘yet another blow’ to Russia and Putin
British armed forces intercepted and boarded a Russian shadow fleet oil tanker in the Channel in the early hours of Sunday, Keir Starmer has confirmed.
In a six-hour operation, the first of its kind to be led by the UK, Royal Marine commandos and officers from the National Crime Agency boarded and took control of the vessel, Smyrtos, which was sailing under a Cameroonian flag.
According to the tracking website Marine Traffic, the vessel is now anchored off the coast of Dorset, near Weymouth. Authorities said it would be monitored for environmental or safety concerns.
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Royal Navy warships support first UK seizure of Russian shadow fleet vessel
Royal Marines have boarded and seized a Russian shadow fleet tanker in the English Channel for the first time during the early hours of this morning.
Royal Marine Commandos and National Crime Agency officers have taken control of the sanctioned merchant ship MV Smyrtos, marking the first UK-led interdiction of a Russian shadow fleet vessel. The 6-hour operation was supported by frigate, HMS Sutherland and mine hunter, HMS Ledbury. Merlin HC4, Wildcat and Chinook helicopters were also involved and the operation was carried out in close coordination with France. Video released by the MoD shows Royal Marines rapid roping onto the ship from RAF Chinooks.
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