Overnight, Royal Marine Commandos intercepted a Russian shadow fleet oil tanker in the English Channel using Chinooks, a Merlin Mk4 and a Wildcat from the Maritime Air Group during the raid.
The Russian vessel SMYRTOS was navigating the English Channel in the early hours of June 14, 2026, when UK forces boarded the oil tanker after abseiling from military helicopters.
Highly trained Royal Marine Commandos from the Royal Navy were joined by law enforcement officers from the National Crime Agency (NCA) during the operation.
The night mission, which lasted 6 hours, was also supported by an RAF P-8 aircraft, as well as HMS SUTHERLAND and HMS LEDBURY.
In the first UK-led operation of its kind, the intervention was designed to disrupt Russia’s ability to generate war funds that supply missiles and drones targeting Ukraine.
Overnight, Royal Marines Commandos of the @RoyalNavy were involved in the interception of a shadow fleet vessel. They were supported by @HMSSutherland, @HMSLedbury and the Maritime Air Group.
— First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff (@GenGJenkinsRM) June 14, 2026
Mission success thanks to the skills, bravery and professionalism of our people. pic.twitter.com/jwde56O5lA
In March 2026, the UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer approved British Armed Forces and law enforcement officers’ ability to board shadow fleet vessels, in accordance with international law.
“This operation delivers yet another blow to Russia and reminds those fueling Putin’s war in Ukraine that they cannot hide,” Prime Minister Starmer said. “I want to pay tribute to all those involved, including our Armed Forces and law enforcement officers who keep this country safe 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.”
The UK government said the “enforcement action against the vessel in UK territorial waters was carried out in accordance with domestic and international law”.
First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff General Sir Gwyn Jenkins wrote that the mission success was “thanks to the skills, bravery and professionalism of our people”.
This morning, UK forces boarded a Russian tanker in the English Channel that was secretly helping to bankroll Putin's war in Ukraine.
— Ministry of Defence 🇬🇧 (@DefenceHQ) June 14, 2026
The first operation of its kind led by British forces, and a clear message: there is nowhere to hide. pic.twitter.com/RQdw7bmuQw
The operation was conducted in close coordination with France following similar interceptions by the US and French which included support from the RAF and Royal Navy.
“Operations like this require skill, professionalism and courage. I pay tribute to our Armed Forces personnel and all those involved,” Defense Secretary Dan Jarvis, said. “Russia relies on its shadow fleet to fund their conflict in Ukraine, and our interdiction delivers a blow to Putin’s illegal war.”
According to the UK, the shadow fleet of over 700 vessels is responsible for carrying 75% of Russia’s sanctioned oil.