Three Georgian citizens were among the 24 crew members aboard the sanctioned vessel Smyrtos, seized by British authorities in the English Channel, the Maritime Transport Agency of Georgia stated on June 15, citing confirmation from London.
The statement came a day after the UK government said British armed forces intercepted the Russian “shadow fleet” vessel in what it described as “the first UK-led operation of its kind.” British Prime Minister Keir Starmer praised the operation, saying in a post on X that it “delivers yet another blow to Russia and reminds those fueling Putin’s war in Ukraine that we will not let them hide.”
According to Georgia’s Maritime Transport Agency, citing confirmation from British authorities, “all seafarers are safe” and “there is no threat to their health or well-being.”
“We would like to emphasize that the legislation currently in force in Georgia, as well as the Agency’s regulatory instruments, require crewing companies to conduct stringent sanctions screening and prohibit the employment of seafarers on vessels or with shipowners that are subject to sanctions imposed by the United Nations, the European Union, the United States of America, or the United Kingdom,” the agency said.
It added that the seized vessel, SMYRTOS (IMO 9389100), “was not identified in the employment, recruitment, or seafarer placement records of any recognised Georgian crewing company,” and “accordingly, the employment of the seafarers concerned was not facilitated by companies recognised by the Maritime Transport Agency of Georgia.”
The agency further said it continues to cooperate with the relevant British authorities and is closely monitoring the ongoing investigation, adding that ensuring “full compliance” with international sanctions regimes remains among its “highest priorities.”
According to the BBC, Smyrtos began its journey on June 5 from Russia’s Ust-Luga port near St. Petersburg before crossing west into the English Channel. The agency added that the vessel was sanctioned in July 2025 and has since changed its name from Myrtos to Smyrtos, as well as the flag under which it sails, twice.
The National Crime Agency, the UK’s national law enforcement agency, said on June 15 that an Indian national was arrested on suspicion of sanctions offenses in connection with the seized vessel and has been taken into custody, with the investigation continuing.
Georgians were also among the crew of another Russian “shadow fleet” tanker, Marinera, which was intercepted by the United States in the North Atlantic in January. Reports at the time said six Georgians were on board, including the captain.
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