The United States has seized a Russian-flagged oil tanker tied to Venezuelan crude following a dramatic, commando-style operation that tracked the vessel across the Atlantic for more than two weeks. The ship, now known as the Marinera and previously operating as the Bella 1, was taken into U.S. custody after repeatedly evading American authorities and slipping through what President Donald Trump has described as a maritime blockade targeting sanctioned Venezuelan oil shipments.
[read more]
U.S. officials said the operation was carried out by the Coast Guard with support from the U.S. military and concluded successfully without incident. Images circulating in Russian media appeared to show a helicopter closing in on the tanker during the seizure, believed to be an American MH-6 Little Bird. Officials said the presence of nearby Russian military assets, including a submarine, significantly raised the stakes and risked a diplomatic confrontation with Moscow.
The tanker became a high-profile target after the Coast Guard attempted to board it last month in the Caribbean under a warrant alleging violations of U.S. sanctions and prior transport of Iranian oil. Instead of complying, the vessel abruptly changed course, renamed itself Marinera, and registered in a Russian maritime database. During the pursuit, the crew reportedly painted a Russian flag directly onto the hull and claimed the ship was operating under Russian protection, prompting Moscow to formally demand the U.S. abandon the chase.
Tracking data showed the ship sharply altered course and slowed to roughly eight knots before it was seized about 124 miles south of Iceland, on what appeared to be a route toward northern Scotland. Flight-tracking information indicated British and American military aircraft were active in the area, with reports suggesting British Typhoon jets were scrambled, though U.K. officials declined to confirm any involvement.
The seizure comes amid President Trump’s broader crackdown on sanctioned oil trafficking linked to Venezuela, which he has accused of using maritime routes to smuggle drugs into the United States. U.S. European Command later confirmed the action, saying the tanker was seized in the North Atlantic pursuant to a federal court warrant after being tracked by the USCGC Munro. Officials said the mission reflected a whole-of-government effort supporting Trump’s directive to stop sanctioned vessels that threaten security in the Western Hemisphere.[/read]