The US Coast Guard Seizes Russian-Flagged Oil Tanker in the North Atlantic and Another in the Caribbean
In a significant development, the US Coast Guard has seized a Russian-flagged oil tanker, the Marinera, in the North Atlantic, and another tanker in the Caribbean. The operation, carried out by the US Coast Guard and other military assets, was confirmed by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. The Marinera, previously known as the Bella-1, has been linked to Venezuela and was transiting the North Atlantic. The US has been tracking the tanker for the last two weeks, attempting to seize it on December 20 when it was in the Caribbean and headed to Venezuela.
The Russian Maritime Register of Shipping listed the ship as a Russian vessel on December 31, with the crew painting a Russian flag on the ship's side. The Bella-1 previously flew a false Panamanian flag and is suspected to be part of Russia's 'shadow fleet,' which Moscow is accused of using to evade international sanctions. The ship recently activated its transponder, allowing open-source maritime tracking websites to locate it in the North Atlantic Ocean near Iceland and the United Kingdom.
The Russian Foreign Ministry expressed concern, stating that the vessel is sailing in international waters under the Russian flag and in compliance with international maritime law. However, the US and NATO military have been giving the Russian ship increased and disproportionate attention, despite its peaceful status. The vessel was put under US sanctions in 2024 for carrying Hezbollah-owned cargo and supporting the Iranian regime.
This development comes as tensions rise between the US and Russia, with the US taking a proactive approach to countering Russian activities, particularly in the context of international sanctions and maritime law.
