UK Intercepts Russian 'Ghost Fleet' Tanker Smyrtos in English Channel

Overview

• Royal Marines and specially trained National Crime Agency officers boarded the tanker Smyrtos and escorted it to the south coast of England for detention and monitoring after an interception in the English Channel on Sunday.
• British authorities identified Smyrtos as linked to Russia's so‑called 'ghost fleet' of older tankers that use opaque ownership and flag changes to evade Western sanctions.
• London said the operation was led by the UK with close coordination from French maritime authorities and follows similar interdictions by other European states.
• Ukrainian leaders praised the seizure and urged tougher measures, including legal changes to allow the confiscation of cargoes suspected of financing Russia's war.
• Experts say the interdiction highlights enforcement challenges at sea and could prompt more naval law‑enforcement actions and calls in Europe for clearer legal powers to seize illicit oil shipments.