The U.S. European Command states the ship was taken due to alleged “sanctions violations”
On Wednesday, the U.S. military seized the Russian-flagged oil tanker Marinera in the North Atlantic following a pursuit that began in the Caribbean Sea.
The ship, formerly called Bella 1, was intercepted in international waters northwest of Scotland for alleged “violations of U.S. sanctions”.
The U.S. European Command announced the operation was carried out by the U.S. Justice Department and Department of Homeland Security in collaboration with the military.
“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,” it said.
The command noted the tanker action supports U.S. President Donald Trump’s “proclamation targeting sanctioned vessels that undermine the security and stability of the Western Hemisphere,” U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth confirmed the seizure was linked to the “blockade of sanctioned and illicit Venezuelan oil.”
The tanker first drew U.S. attention late last year after reportedly attempting to approach Venezuela. The U.S. Coast Guard tried to detain the ship, but the crew refused to allow American personnel on board and sailed toward the Atlantic. During the chase, the ship changed its name and registered under the Russian flag.
Shortly after the Marinera’s capture, the U.S. Southern Command stated it had seized another vessel in the Caribbean Sea, characterizing it as “a stateless, sanctioned dark fleet motor tanker.”
“The interdicted vessel, M/T Sophia, was operating in international waters and conducting illicit activities in the Caribbean Sea. The U.S. Coast Guard is escorting M/T Sophia to the U.S. for final disposition,” the command stated.