UK seizes Russian ‘shadow fleet’ tanker – what that means
Summary
British forces captured a Russian-linked oil tanker named Smyrtos in the English Channel for allegedly breaking sanctions. This is the first time UK forces have boarded a ship from Russia’s "shadow fleet," which carries oil to avoid Western sanctions related to the war in Ukraine.Key Facts
- The tanker Smyrtos was carrying 700,000 barrels of Russian oil and flew a Cameroonian flag.
- Smyrtos left the Russian port of Ust-Luga on June 5, heading to Egypt.
- The ship is owned by a Hong Kong company and managed from Tamil Nadu, India.
- British Royal Marines and National Crime Agency officers boarded the tanker using ropes from helicopters.
- The operation lasted six hours and happened near the Dorset coast, with a Russian warship nearby.
- An Indian national was arrested on suspicion of breaking sanctions.
- At least six other tankers changed course after the seizure.
- The UK and other Western countries ban ships linked to Russia’s "shadow fleet" from their ports and financial services, as Russia’s oil exports fund its war in Ukraine.
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