Defence secretary quizzed by MPs over timing of Russian oil tanker seizure
Summary
Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis told MPs that the Russian oil tanker Smyrtos was monitored for several days before being seized by Royal Marines on Sunday near the Isle of Wight. The tanker was suspected of using a fake flag and was carrying crude oil from Russia to India. The captain was charged with breaching sanctions, while the crew remains on board.Key Facts
- The Russian oil tanker Smyrtos was captured 25 miles south of the Isle of Wight early Sunday.
- Royal Marines boarded the 244-meter ship in minutes during the operation.
- The tanker was suspected of using a false flag from Cameroon to avoid sanctions.
- The ship was carrying about 100,000 tonnes of crude oil from Russia to India.
- The captain, Ajay Pant, an Indian national, was charged with breaking sanctions laws.
- 24 crew members from Georgia and India are still on board the vessel.
- The seizure happened shortly after Defence Secretary John Healey resigned over defence budget disagreements.
- Defence Secretary Jarvis said the seizure was planned over weeks and did not give details on what will happen to the oil.
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