The UK has charged the captain of a Russian “shadow fleet” tanker detained after Royal Marines seized the vessel in the English Channel. Multiple outlets report that the captain was held following the interception and that he is now formally accused of contravening sanctions connected to Russia. Sky News and ITVX describe the charge as relating to sanctions violations, while other publications similarly state that the captain will face court proceedings. The Mirror and Daily Mail add identifying detail, including that the captain is Ajay Pant, 38, and that the tanker is referred to as the Smyrtos. Coverage also indicates that National Crime Agency (NCA) officers were involved alongside the Royal Marines in the operation that led to the seizure. Yahoo News reports that the captain is set to appear in court, and the Belfast Telegraph notes his case will be heard there as well. Across the reports, there is agreement on the key sequence: the tanker is intercepted in the Channel, the captain is detained, and he is then charged with breaching sanctions, with a court appearance scheduled.