British armed forces and law enforcement personnel have boarded a Russian shadow fleet tanker in the English Channel. Footage has emerged showing British troops conducting an inspection of the vessel. The video material depicts Royal Marines approaching the oil tanker, followed by heavily armed forces conducting searches while equipped with night vision goggles.
The footage, which was posted by the Prime Minister, documents the operation on the Russian shadow fleet oil tanker within the English Channel. According to Sky News coverage on June 14, 2026, the British armed forces seized the vessel Smyrtos, a tanker registered under the flag of Cameroon, while it was transiting the Channel. The operation involved multiple military units boarding the commercial vessel.
The seizure targets the so-called Russian shadow fleet, which consists of vessels often linked to Russian energy exports. The action represents a significant enforcement operation against assets associated with Russia. Authorities boarded the tanker to investigate its activities and ensure compliance with international maritime regulations.
The presence of British troops conducting the search underscores the involvement of British security forces in monitoring and interdicting vessels within the English Channel. The incident highlights ongoing efforts by Western nations to regulate and control the movement of energy assets belonging to Russian interests.
Topics: #tanker #russian #fleet
