US Seizes Russian-Flagged Oil Tanker Marinera in North Atlantic

The United States has seized the Russian-flagged oil tanker Marinera, formerly known as Bella 1, in the North Atlantic Ocean for alleged violations of U.S. sanctions. The operation was conducted pursuant to a warrant issued by a U.S. federal court after the vessel was tracked by the USCGC Munro.

The Marinera had previously evaded a U.S. Coast Guard boarding attempt near Venezuela in December. Following this, the vessel changed its name and re-registered under the Russian flag. The U.S. Department of Justice, Department of Homeland Security, and Department of Defense coordinated the seizure.

U.K. Defence Secretary John Healey confirmed that British forces provided support for the operation, including the use of bases and deployment of Royal Air Force and Navy assets. He described the Marinera as a "sanctioned, stateless vessel with a long history of nefarious activity" linked to Russia and Iran.

Russia's Transport Ministry condemned the seizure, stating that the vessel was sailing in international waters under the Russian flag and in full compliance with international maritime law. The ministry demanded the U.S. ensure the humane treatment of the crew and their swift return to Russia.

The Marinera is part of a "shadow fleet" that transports oil for countries such as Venezuela, Russia, and Iran in violation of U.S. sanctions. The U.S. has been intensifying efforts to enforce these sanctions, including the recent seizure of another vessel, the M Sophia, in the Caribbean Sea.