U.S. Seizes Russian-Flagged Oil Tanker Marinera in North Atlantic

The U.S. Coast Guard has seized the Russian-flagged oil tanker Marinera, formerly known as Bella-1, in the North Atlantic Ocean. The operation was conducted pursuant to a warrant issued by a U.S. federal court, citing violations of U.S. sanctions related to Venezuelan oil shipments.

The Marinera had been under surveillance for several weeks after evading a U.S. maritime blockade near Venezuela. The vessel had changed its name and re-registered under the Russian flag in an apparent attempt to avoid detection.

In a related operation, the U.S. Coast Guard also intercepted another tanker, the M/T Sophia, in the Caribbean Sea. The vessel was described as a "stateless, sanctioned dark fleet motor tanker" engaged in illicit activities.

Russia's Ministry of Transport expressed concern over the seizure of the Marinera, stating that the vessel was operating in international waters under the Russian flag and in compliance with international maritime law. The ministry emphasized that no state has the right to use force against vessels duly registered in the jurisdictions of other states.

These actions are part of the U.S. government's ongoing efforts to enforce sanctions against Venezuela and disrupt illicit oil trade involving sanctioned entities.