Pictures have been released showing Royal Marines boarding a Russian shadow fleet tanker in the English Channel. The Prime Minister stated that the successful operation represents 'yet another blow' to Russia.
Operation Details
British Armed Forces intercepted a Russian shadow fleet vessel in the Channel during the early hours of Sunday, 14 June 2026. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed that Royal Marine commandos and specially trained law enforcement officers from the National Crime Agency boarded a sanctioned oil tanker during a six-hour operation. This was the first UK-led operation of its kind.
The vessel, named Smyrtos, will be provisionally moved to an anchorage off the south coast of England and will be monitored for any environmental or safety concerns.
Supporting Assets
According to the MoD, the operation was supported by aircraft from the Maritime Air Group, including Chinooks, Merlin Mk4 and Wildcat helicopters, an RAF P-8 aircraft, as well as HMS Sutherland and HMS Ledbury.
Political Response
Sir Keir Starmer said in a statement: 'This operation delivers yet another blow to Russia and reminds those fuelling President 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 added: '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.'
Visual Documentation
Images released by the MoD show various stages of the operation, including a Royal Navy helicopter approaching the vessel, 42 Commando of the UK Commando force boarding the ship, and National Crime Agency officers onboard. Bodycam footage also captured the operation from multiple angles.
