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Royal Marines Seize Russian Tanker, Captain Charged with Illegal Oil

7/4/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Royal Marines seized the Russian-flagged tanker Smyrtos in the English Channel on 14 June, detaining its crew.
The Forward Seamen’s Union of India campaigns against criminalising seafarers in sanctions enforcement.
The Department for Transport delivers food, water and supplies to the crew daily.
Captain Ajay Pant is in custody and charged with delivering prohibited Russian oil from the 101,400-tonne Urals cargo owned by Zhao Yao Shipping.

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Story summary

Royal Marines seized the Russian-flagged tanker Smyrtos in the English Channel on 14 June, detaining its crew.
The Forward Seamen’s Union of India campaigns against criminalising seafarers in sanctions enforcement.
The Department for Transport delivers food, water and supplies to the crew daily.
Captain Ajay Pant is in custody and charged with delivering prohibited Russian oil from the 101,400-tonne Urals cargo owned by Zhao Yao Shipping.