An intercepted oil tanker and a ‘Frankenwrap’: photos of the day

Live updates

1. 45m ago

   UK seizes Russian shadow fleet tanker in English Channel; vessel held for investigation

   British forces intercepted the *SMYRTOS*, a sanctioned Russian oil tanker linked to the shadow fleet, in the English Channel on Sunday. The operation involved Royal Marines and law enforcement, with French assistance. The vessel is now anchored off England’s south coast under monitoring. A 38-year-old Indian national was detained during boarding.

   What's confirmed:

   • British Royal Marines and law enforcement boarded and diverted the *SMYRTOS* during a six-hour operation in the English Channel.
   • The vessel will be held off England’s south coast while investigations into environmental and safety concerns proceed.
   • France provided assistance to UK forces during the interception operation.
   • A 38-year-old Indian national was arrested after boarding the *SMYRTOS*.
   • UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed the interception as an attempt by the tanker to evade sanctions.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • The *SMYRTOS* is part of a broader ‘Frankenwrap’ strategy involving repurposed or disguised vessels to bypass sanctions.
   confidence 95%
2. 3h ago

   UK intercepts Russian 'shadow fleet' tanker SMYRTOS in English Channel; crew member arrested

   British forces seized the Russian-linked oil tanker *SMYRTOS* in the English Channel on Sunday, marking the UK’s first such operation. A 38-year-old Indian national was arrested after boarding. France assisted with the interception, supported by UK military assets. The vessel was reportedly attempting to evade sanctions.

   What's confirmed:

   • UK forces intercepted the Russian shadow fleet oil tanker *SMYRTOS* in the English Channel on June 14, 2026, in the first such operation by British forces.
   • A 38-year-old Indian national was arrested after boarding the vessel by UK Armed Forces and the National Crime Agency.
   • The tanker had sailed from Murmansk and was attempting to skirt international sanctions, according to French officials.
   • France led the interception operation, with UK military support including a helicopter.
   • Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis described the move as a blow to 'Putin’s illegal war'.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • The vessel was described as a 'Frankenwrap'—a term possibly referring to its makeshift or disguised structure—though no official confirmation of this label has been provided.
   • The UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has reportedly called the operation a significant step in countering Russian sanctions evasion.
   confidence 92%