US seizes Russian-flagged tanker Marinera in Atlantic after prolonged pursuit

US forces seized the Marinera, a 300-metre crude oil tanker, as it sailed north through the Atlantic after days of surveillance and while Russia's military rushed towards the vessel. The ship, which was not carrying oil, is alleged to be part of the shadow or 'ghost' fleets used by Russia, Iran and Venezuela to evade western sanctions and has been under US Treasury sanctions since June 2024 over accusations of carrying illicit cargo for Hezbollah.

The Marinera reportedly evaded a US Coast Guard boarding attempt in the Caribbean in December, changed its name from Bella 1 and was hastily reflagged with a Russian flag, prompting a formal diplomatic protest from Moscow. For days US surveillance planes tracked the vessel and flight-tracking data showed a British RAF RC-135W Rivet Joint flying from Waddington towards the same area; the UK said it provided 'pre-planned operational support, including basing'.

Spotters also recorded US military transport aircraft moving to the UK that can carry helicopters, and the Wall Street Journal reported that Russia dispatched naval assets, including a submarine, hours before Washington announced the ship had been seized for 'violations of US sanctions'.

Analysts and officials offered competing theories but many questions remain. The ship's prior Iran–Venezuela route is suspected of being used for illicit trade, including weapons, and some see the reflagging as an attempt by Moscow to gain leverage.

Key Topics

World, Marinera, Russia, Us Coast Guard, Venezuela, Hezbollah