🚨 Update: UK Commando Boss Reveals Details of Russian Shadow Fleet Boarding
The commanding officer of the Royal Marines unit that boarded the sanctioned Russian tanker Smyrtos in the English Channel has spoken out.
Lieutenant Colonel Tom Quinn confirmed a “sizeable and comprehensive force” of 40 commandos, plus National Crime Agency officers, took part. He called intercepting vessels like this “bread and butter” for the Commando force, though fast-roping onto the deck at night carries risks. No armed guards were present on this ship, but he noted that could change in future operations.
Quinn said the vessel met the required criteria and the timing finally aligned — despite Starmer approving such actions back in March. He framed it as decisive action against Russia evading sanctions to fund the war in Ukraine.
Critics argue this was still a high-risk PR exercise: an empty tanker, potential for Russian retaliation, environmental dangers in one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes, all while the UK grapples with domestic crises like small boat crossings and defence funding chaos.
Is this a serious enforcement of sanctions or more performative politics from Starmer?
Full details and earlier context in the thread. What’s your take — strong move or unnecessary escalation?
🚨 BREAKING: UK Forces Board Russian Shadow Fleet Oil Tanker in English Channel for First Time
Royal Marine commandos and National Crime Agency officers boarded the sanctioned Russian tanker Smyrtos in a 6-hour operation in the English Channel — the first time a Russian shadow fleet vessel has been interdicted in British waters.
PM Keir Starmer hailed it as “another blow to Russia” and a message to those fuelling Putin’s war in Ukraine. The operation involved HMS Sutherland, HMS Ledbury, multiple helicopters (Chinook, Merlin Mk4, Wildcat), and an RAF P-8 aircraft. The vessel has been moved to anchor off the south coast.
However, critics are calling the move risky and potentially stupid. Boarding a sanctioned tanker raises serious escalation risks with Russia, could provoke retaliation (cyber, naval, or otherwise), and carries environmental dangers if anything goes wrong with the vessel. Some argue it’s performative virtue-signalling by Starmer while Britain faces pressing domestic issues, and question whether the gains justify the potential blowback.
Starmer thanked the Armed Forces and law enforcement involved.
Strong enforcement against sanctions evasion — or unnecessary provocation?
What do you think: necessary action or reckless stupidity? 👇