Key facts
- British forces intercepted a Russian shadow fleet oil tanker in the English Channel.
- This is the first such interdiction in UK waters.
- The tanker's captain is an Indian national.
- The captain has been charged with contravening sanctions.
- A sanctioned supertanker is en route to the Persian Gulf.
- This tanker is involved in transporting Iranian oil.
- The tanker is challenging a US blockade in effect since mid-April.
- UK Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis faced questions from MPs about the tanker seizure timing.
- The tanker was tracked for days before its capture.
British forces have intercepted a Russian shadow fleet oil tanker in the English Channel, marking the first time such an interdiction has occurred in UK waters. The captain of the tanker, identified as an Indian national, has been charged with contravening sanctions. This action by the UK comes amidst broader international efforts to enforce sanctions on oil shipments.