Crew Reviews, Ratings & Info for Myrtos

Ajay Pant, a 38-year-old Indian national and the captain of the tanker 'Smyrtos', is facing serious allegations of breaking sanctions tied to the trade of Russian crude oil. The trial is scheduled to commence in December. Pant appeared via video link at a London court on July 16, where he was officially notified of the charges against him. The 'Smyrtos', identified as part of the Russian shadow fleet, was apprehended by British commandos in June. As of July 17, the vessel was anchored at coordinates 50° 34' N 002° 22' W, positioned off the coast of Weymouth.

Nearly three weeks have passed since the UK armed forces seized the 'Smyrtos,' yet the crew remains stuck in a state of uncertainty. Anchored off Dorset’s coast, the tanker is under the watchful eye of UK Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander. Although the crew is technically free to leave, they have opted to stay aboard the vessel instead of being taken to the UK mainland, where they would navigate immigration protocols. With their captain, 38-year-old Ajay Pant, currently in custody on land, the crew members—24 in total, hailing from India and Georgia—are receiving daily welfare checks from the Department for Transport. These checks include essential provisions such as food and water. Captain Pant faces serious charges related to allegedly transporting prohibited oil from Russia, while the remaining crew was released after being interviewed by investigators from the National Crime Agency. They are now anxiously awaiting news on whether they can continue their journey. The situation highlights the plight of seafarers entangled in the growing global efforts against potential violations of sanctions on Russian oil. As noted by the Seafarers’ Charity, the crew of the 'Smyrtos' marks yet another instance of maritime personnel caught in this web of geopolitical tensions, amidst increasing actions against shadow fleet vessels by the US and several European nations.

The United Kingdom is actively deliberating the potential sale of oil onboard the Russian tanker 'Smyrtos', which has been seized due to sanctions violations. This oil would then be utilized to bolster military support for Ukraine in its ongoing conflict. Currently, the initiative is in the preliminary stages; however, there is strong justification for the UK's claim to the oil, given that the tanker ignored established sanctions. The financial proceeds from the sale may be directed towards purchasing armaments for Ukraine or could be allocated as direct financial support. Presently, the tanker is anchored off the coast near Weymouth, while investigations continue into its operations. Additionally, the Indian captain of the vessel is facing legal action for breaching sanctions.

Ajay Pant, a 38-year-old Indian national and captain of the Russian tanker 'Smyrtos', faced Southampton Magistrates’ Court via videolink on June 16, following serious charges related to the illicit transportation of oil. Charged with supplying or delivering prohibited oil or oil products from Russia to a third country in June 2026, Pant was found in violation of Regulation 46Z9B of the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019. During the preliminary hearing, he confirmed his name, date of birth, and provided his address in India. Pant did not enter a plea, and his solicitor, James Diamond, requested that the matter be escalated to the crown court. District Judge David Robinson, connecting from Portsmouth, scheduled a plea and trial preparation hearing for July 16 at Bournemouth Crown Court, while remanding Pant in custody until that date. The 'Smyrtos', considered part of Russia’s covert fleet of 700 vessels, plays a crucial role in the nation's oil transport, reportedly supplying around 75% of its oil and aiding the finances of the ongoing war in Ukraine. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) initiated proceedings against Pant following a comprehensive investigation by the National Crime Agency, which resulted in the seizure of the 'Smyrtos' while navigating the English Channel over the previous weekend. This severe transgression carries a potential maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. The 'Smyrtos' had been designated under UK sanctions against Russia in 2025, making its journey particularly notable. It departed Russia on June 5, 2026, with its movements closely monitored before it entered UK waters near Margate on June 13. Pant provided specific details regarding his residence in court, identifying it as Virdeep, Shiv Vihar Colony, Near Power House, Chilkiya, Ramnagar, Nainital, located in the northeastern part of Delhi.

Ajay Pant, a 38-year-old captain from India, has been officially charged by the UK's National Crime Agency (NCA) for breaching sanctions related to Russian oil exports. The charges, announced on June 14, involve allegations of Pant's role in the delivery or supply of prohibited Russian oil or oil products to a third country, in direct violation of Regulation 46Z9B under the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019. Following the capture of the 'Smyrtos', Pant was taken into custody and was set to appear before the Southampton Magistrates’ Court on June 16. These charges came after a comprehensive review conducted by the Crown Prosecution Service, which evaluated the evidence gathered by the NCA. At the time of the court date, the tanker remained under investigation in Weymouth Bay, closely monitored by the Royal Navy vessels HMS 'Ledbury' and HMS 'Sutherland'. The vessel's crew, comprising 24 Indian and Georgian nationals, was still aboard the ship. This boarding operation formed a crucial part of the UK's broader strategy to disrupt financial resources that support Russia's ongoing military actions in Ukraine, marking a significant escalation in the enforcement of sanctions. The operation adhered to both domestic and international legal standards, with support from military helicopters and an RAF P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft. Previously known as 'Myrtos' before its renaming in early 2025, the tanker has been characterized by a pattern typical of identity shifts observed in shadow fleets. In October 2025, the tanker was added to UK and EU sanctions lists for its involvement in the transportation of Russian crude oil. It is registered under the ownership of Hong Kong's Zhao Yao Shipping, while Vika Line Marine Services from India manages its International Safety Management (ISM). On June 4, the vessel loaded approximately 101,400 tonnes of Urals crude at the Ust-Luga terminal in Russia and set off on a course directed westward, with declared destinations shifting between Port Said and Sikka. Although the tanker had previously navigated the Channel, this transit marked its first as an effectively stateless entity, raising questions for investigators regarding whether the owners or operators were aware of its deregistration in Cameroon or had confidently anticipated that sanctions enforcement would remain lax.