US military seizes Russian-flagged oil tanker, linked to Venezuelan oil

The US military on Wednesday seized the Russian-flagged oil tanker Marinera, linked to Venezuelan oil in the North Atlantic. The vessel, previously named Bella 1, was intercepted for alleged violation of US sanctions in the international waters to the northwest of Scotland. The US European Command said that the action was taken by the US Justice Department and the Department of Homeland Security in coordination with the military. It is alleged that the tanker is part of a shadow fleet moving oil for Venezuela, Russia and Iran in violation of US sanctions. The U.S. military said that the tanker was seized for violations of U.S. sanctions, and pursuant to a warrant issued by a U.S. federal court after being tracked by USCGC Munro.

US Coast Guard releases footage CLAIMING THIS ‘is the BOARDING and SEIZURE of motor tanker Bella I (Marinera) this morning in the North Atlantic’ https://t.co/RGZeYXlrOq pic.twitter.com/hGJPQvffD6

— RT (@RT_com) January 8, 2026

On the other hand, the Russian transport ministry said that no state has the right to use force against vessels properly registered in other countries’ jurisdictions. It added that the US forces boarded the Marinera, after which communications with the vessel were lost. The Ministry said, on the 24th of last month, the Marinera received a temporary permission to sail under the Russian flag.

Earlier, Russia had deployed a submarine and other vessels to escort the tanker across the Atlantic, according to media reports. In a related development, US forces have also seized another Venezuela-linked tanker in the Caribbean. US Southern Command said that it has apprehended a stateless, sanctioned dark fleet motor tanker. The US Command said that the interdicted vessel Sophia was operating in international waters and conducting illicit activities in the Caribbean Sea. It said the Coast Guard is escorting the tanker to the United States.