The United States has seized a Russian-flagged oil tanker in the North Atlantic after a dramatic, weeks-long pursuit across international waters, escalating tensions between Washington and Moscow.
According to two U.S. officials, the operation began Wednesday and was led by the Department of Homeland Security with support from the U.S. military. U.S. European Command confirmed the seizure, stating that the tanker—formerly known as Bella 1 and later renamed Marinera—was taken into custody for violating U.S. sanctions.
Russian-flagged oil tanker was Seized Pursuant to a Federal Warrant
“The vessel was seized in the North Atlantic pursuant to a warrant issued by a U.S. federal court after being tracked by USCGC Munro,” the command said in a statement posted on X.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth amplified the announcement, writing that the blockade of sanctioned and illicit Venezuelan oil “remains in FULL EFFECT — anywhere in the world.”
The tanker was first pursued by the U.S. Coast Guard off the coast of Venezuela last month. Its seizure has since emerged as a new flashpoint between Washington and Moscow, with the Kremlin accusing the United States of excessive and politically motivated enforcement.
Russia, a key supporter of the Maduro government, criticized what it described as “disproportionate” U.S. attention on the vessel. The Marinera is one of several oil tankers operating near Venezuela that have recently changed their flags to Russia after being sanctioned.
U.S. Previously Seized Control of Two Oil Tankers
The seizure follows earlier U.S. actions. Last month, American forces took control of two oil tankers off Venezuela’s coast as part of a broader effort to block sanctioned oil shipments. President Trump said Tuesday that Venezuela would hand over between 30 million and 50 million barrels of oil to the United States, underscoring the country’s vast reserves as both a strategic prize and a growing source of friction with Russia and China.
After the U.S. strike on Venezuela and the capture of President Nicolás Maduro, analysts and maritime observers tracked the Marinera’s movements in real time as it appeared to evade authorities. The operation coincided with the deployment of additional U.S. military assets to the United Kingdom.
The tanker has been on the U.S. sanctions list since June 2024, according to NBC News. A U.S. official familiar with the case described it as a “sanctioned dark fleet vessel” involved in Venezuela’s oil sanctions evasion. The official said the ship had been operating under a false flag and was already subject to a judicial seizure order.
As of Jan. 5, the Marinera was located off Scotland’s west coast, according to MarineTraffic.
Russia Monitoring the Situation
Russia’s Foreign Ministry said it was “monitoring with concern” what it called an “anomalous situation” involving the tanker. In a statement carried by state news agency Tass, the ministry said the vessel was operating in international waters under the Russian flag and in compliance with maritime law, while receiving what it described as unjustified scrutiny from U.S. and NATO forces.
Russian state broadcaster RT released footage it claimed was filmed aboard the tanker, alleging that U.S. Coast Guard ships and reconnaissance aircraft were shadowing it in foggy conditions.
Flight tracking data showed a surge in U.S. military activity in the region. Thirteen Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft flew from U.S. bases to the U.K. between Saturday and Monday. Additional aircraft—including Navy P-8A Poseidons, KC-135 refueling tankers, C-130J transports, and U-28A Draco surveillance planes—were recorded operating near the tanker’s last known position.
The U.K. military declined to comment on whether it was tracking the vessel or coordinating with U.S. forces.
U.S. officials warn the Marinera may not be the last challenge to the blockade. At least three other sanctioned tankers operating near Venezuela—the Malak, Dianchi, and Veronica—have recently reflagged as Russian vessels and adopted new names, according to the Russian Maritime Register of Shipping.
Meanwhile, U.S. Southern Command said it remains prepared to assist in enforcing sanctions, emphasizing that its forces are “vigilant, agile, and postured to track vessels of interest.”
“When the call comes,” the command said, “we will be there.”
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Larry Lease is Senior Editor at The Washington Ledger, where he is in charge of all things related to proofing and approving content among other things. You can also find his political thoughts on Twitter @larrymlease.
After the U.S. strike on Venezuela and the capture of President Nicolás Maduro, analysts and maritime observers tracked the Marinera’s movements in real time as it appeared to evade authorities. The operation coincided with the deployment of additional U.S. military assets to the United Kingdom.
The tanker has been on the U.S. sanctions list since June 2024, according to NBC News. A U.S. official familiar with the case described it as a “sanctioned dark fleet vessel” involved in Venezuela’s oil sanctions evasion. The official said the ship had been operating under a false flag and was already subject to a judicial seizure order.
As of Jan. 5, the Marinera was located off Scotland’s west coast, according to MarineTraffic.
