Cameroon denies any affiliation with the illegal Russian vessel seized by the UK
Over the weekend, the United Kingdom (UK) intercepted a Russian-linked oil tanker, flying a Cameroonian flag, under suspicion of violating international sanctions while navigating the English Channel.
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![Cameroon denies any affiliation with the illegal Russian vessel seized by the UK [Source:X:@RoyalNavy]](https://ocdn.eu/pulscms/MDA_/d14b53a0f9f2ad7646c40fa07c57cb17.jpg)
Over the weekend, the United Kingdom (UK) intercepted a Russian-linked oil tanker, flying a Cameroonian flag, under suspicion of violating international sanctions while navigating the English Channel.
- British forces intercepted a Russian-linked oil tanker suspected of violating international sanctions in the English Channel.
- Prime Minister Keir Starmer claimed the interception dealt a substantial blow to Russia's ability to fund its war in Ukraine.
- The tanker Smyrtos, carrying 700,000 barrels of Russian oil, was flying a Cameroonian flag, but Cameroon officials stated it is no longer on their registry.
- Cameroonian authorities are seeking to correct public records to remove any association with the vessel and maintain the integrity of their flag.
The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer, described the interception as a substantial impediment to Moscow's capacity to finance its military operations in Ukraine.
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“This operation delivers yet another blow to Russia and reminds those fueling Putin’s war in Ukraine that they cannot hide,” the Prime Minister stated.
“I want to pay tribute to all those involved, including our Armed Forces and law enforcement officers who keep this country safe 24 hours a day, 365 days a year,” he added.
The vessel Smyrtos, carrying 700,000 barrels of Russian oil, departed the Russian Baltic port of Ust-Luga bound for Port Said in Egypt and was reported to be sailing under a Cameroonian flag.
However, as reported by the Journal du Cameroun, the Cameroonian Minister of Transport, Jean Ernest Massena Ngalle Bibehe, explained that while the vessel was once under the country’s control, it is no longer within its registry.
The minister requested that the vessel, IMO number 9389100, on June 14 seized by the British military and presented as flying the Cameroonian flag, should no longer be affiliated with Cameroon.
He noted that the ship had been deleted from the Cameroonian International Register of Ships on May 25, 2026.
According to a press release dated June 15, 2026, this was part of an effort to clean up and secure the Cameroonian flag under the control of the national maritime administration.
Represented by the Minister of Transport, Cameroonian authorities sought to mitigate the dissemination of inaccurate data.
It stated that communication has been established with the United Kingdom government, Reuters, and the intercepting authorities to ensure that public records are revised to reflect the vessel's current legal status.
Per the UK Government, the Russian shadow fleet, which is in charge of 75% of the Kremlin’s sanctioned oil, is a vital lifeline for the warning country.
It generates a war fund that provides missiles and drones that kill innocent victims in Ukraine and continue Russia's illegal war.
