The English Channel is a maritime strait separating southern England from northern France, connecting the Atlantic Ocean to the North Sea. Known as one of the world's busiest shipping lanes and a strategic western European waterway. Recently, the Channel has seen heightened tensions involving Russian naval escorts of shadow fleet tankers and British military interdiction of sanctioned vessels. Last updated 5 days ago
Royal Marine Commandos boarded the sanctioned Russian shadow fleet tanker SMYRTOS in the English Channel, backed by HMS Sutherland, HMS Ledbury, and an RAF P-8. The vessel is now held off the south coast as investigations continue. First UK-led operation of its kind.
UK PM Starmer: In the early hours of this morning, I directed our Armed Forces to intercept a shadow fleet oil tanker attempting to pass through the English Channel.
This successful operation delivers yet another blow to Russia and reminds those fueling Putin's war in Ukraine that we will not let them hide.
I want to thank those involved, including our Armed Forces and law enforcement officers who keep this country safe 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
