Cameroon’s government has clarified that a Russian-linked oil tanker intercepted by British forces in the English Channel was no longer authorized to fly the Cameroonian flag at the time of the incident. The vessel, identified as the Smyrtos (IMO 9389100), was removed from Cameroon’s international ship registry on May 25, 2026, as part of a broader effort to strengthen maritime security and regulation. Despite this, initial reports from international media, including Reuters, indicated the tanker was operating under a Cameroonian flag when intercepted on June 14th. Cameroon’s Transport Minister, Jean Ernest Massena Ngalle Bibehe, stated the country holds no responsibility for the ship’s illicit activities and has requested corrections from the UK government, Reuters, and intercepting authorities. The tanker is believed to be part of a “ghost fleet” and is subject to international sanctions. Cameroon is actively working to rectify inaccurate information circulating about the vessel’s legal status and its connection to the nation. The government condemns the dissemination of false information regarding the incident.