British Royal Marines and law enforcement officials have boarded and seized a Russian-linked oil tanker, the Smyrtos, in the English Channel. The operation, lasting six hours, marks the first time UK forces have boarded a vessel associated with Russia’s “shadow fleet.” The tanker is currently anchored off the southern coast of England. The UK government confirmed the seizure but has not yet detailed the specific reasons behind the action. It is understood the operation involved officers from both the military and a crime agency. The Smyrtos is believed to be part of a network of vessels used to circumvent international sanctions imposed on Russia. Further investigations are underway regarding the vessel and its cargo.