Footage released showing British soldiers boarding Russian tanker

In a significant maritime operation, British soldiers boarded and searched a Russian oil tanker, the "Smyrtos," as it transited the English Channel. The Ministry of Defence released footage showing Royal Marines rappelling onto the tanker and conducting a thorough inspection. This action marks the first time a vessel belonging to Russia's "shadow fleet" has been intercepted in UK waters.

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This operation deals another blow to Russia and those who fuel Putin's war in Ukraine, reminding them that they cannot hide.

The operation, which lasted six hours, involved extensive support from various branches of the UK military. Naval aviation assets, including Chinook, Merlin Mk4, and Wildcat helicopters, along with a P-8 aircraft from the Royal Air Force, provided aerial support. The warships HMS Sutherland and HMS Ledbury were also involved in the operation.

The tanker, flying a Cameroonian flag, was detained early Sunday morning. This interception follows a policy shift earlier this year, when Prime Minister Keir Starmer authorized military and law enforcement personnel to board such vessels. Starmer stated that the operation "deals another blow to Russia and those who fuel Putin's war in Ukraine, reminding them that they cannot hide."

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I want to thank everyone 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's authorization for these boarding operations aims to disrupt illicit activities and exert pressure on Russia's maritime operations. The successful interception demonstrates the UK's commitment to enforcing international sanctions and maintaining maritime security.

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Royal Marine Commandos descend onto the tanker using ropes, and then armed soldiers wearing night vision goggles begin to search the ship.