UK officials expect Russia to retaliate for seizure of shadow fleet oil tanker

No formal warning issued to captains or ship owners, but industry body says they are exercising greater vigilance

British officials believe Russia will try to retaliate for the Royal Marines’ seizure of the oil tanker Smyrtos, prompting UK ship owners to exercise greater vigilance until tensions with Moscow ease.

Military sources said the UK had considered possible responses to the seizure of the vessel carrying Russian crude worth $40m (£30m) to India, and anticipate that the Kremlin will want to hit back.