A DORSET MP has moved to reassure residents that a Russian shadow fleet oil tanker anchored off the coast at Weymouth poses 'no risk' to local environement or safety.
In what was the first UK-led operation of its kind, the operation took six hours and video footage released by the Ministry of Defence shows armed personnel boarding the vessel in the dark by fast-roping from a CH-47 Chinook helicopter.
Further video clips show personnel armed with KS-1 rifles conducting searches of cabins aboard the vessel, while officers from the NCA inspect documentation and paperwork.
According to the MarineTraffic website, Smyrtos sails under the Cameroon flag and left Ust-Luga, Russia, on June 5, with Port Said, Egypt, listed as its destination.
South Dorset MP Lloyd Hatton as now issued a public statement after speaking with minsters.
He said: "Our Armed Forces and the National Crime Agency have intercepted a shadow fleet oil tanker carrying Russian oil, in the English Channel near to Weymouth and Portland
"I’d like to thank our brave Armed Forces for successfully intercepting this tanker in our waters earlier today.
"After a conversation with Ministers, I can confirm that the National Crime Agency will conduct a swift investigation on the tanker before determining immediate next steps.
"The tanker is being monitored 24/7 by all of the appropriate bodies. Of course, the main priority is to ensure that this tanker is safely stopped in its tracks.
"I have also been reassured by Ministers that there are no safety or environmental concerns as the NCA investigation gets underway. However, all the usual processes are in place to monitor the tanker to ensure there is no risk to the local environment or safety.
"Local operational partners, such as Dorset Police and Dorset Council, will be involved in developing the local response plan going forwards.
"When the Government said they would disrupt the shadow fleet from transporting sanctioned Russian oil, they meant it.
"It’s essential that we continue to lead efforts to block and disrupt the transportation of sanctioned Russian oil - which is only funding President Putin’s barbaric war machine in Ukraine.
"I will provide further local updates as and when appropriate."
