Captain of Russian shadow fleet tanker intercepted in Channel charged
Summary
The captain of a Russian oil tanker, part of a "shadow fleet" subject to UK sanctions, was arrested after British forces stopped the ship in the English Channel. The captain faces charges for breaking sanctions by transporting banned Russian oil products.Key Facts
- The Russian oil tanker MV Smyrtos was intercepted by British Royal Marine Commandos in the English Channel.
- The operation lasted six hours and involved commandos rappelling from a helicopter, supported by the Royal Air Force.
- The captain, Ajay Pant, a 38-year-old Indian national, was charged with breaking UK sanctions related to Russian oil.
- Pant is set to appear at Southampton Magistrates' Court.
- The ship is held near Weymouth with 24 crew members still on board.
- The UK has sanctioned over 500 Russian oil tankers as part of its response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
- British forces are now authorized to board sanctioned vessels in UK waters.
- Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis said the action shows the UK will act against Russia's military efforts.
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