US seizes Russian-flagged tanker Marinera in North Atlantic after two-week pursuit

The US has seized the Russian-flagged oil tanker Marinera in the North Atlantic, US European Command said, after tracking the vessel with USCGC Munro and acting under a warrant issued by a US federal court. US media reported the coastguard boarded the ship and faced no resistance, and Russian state broadcaster RT published images saying an operation was under way.

The action capped a pursuit lasting more than two weeks that began after the tanker, formerly named Bella 1, turned back into the Atlantic while travelling from Iran to Venezuela, having attempted to evade a US blockade on sanction-hit oil tankers near Venezuelan waters. Initial reports suggested the ageing vessel was empty and en route to pick up Venezuelan oil before changing course, and ship‑tracking data placed it between Iceland and the UK.

The Marinera is described as part of a so‑called shadow fleet moving oil for Russia, Iran and Venezuela and was placed under US sanctions in 2024 over allegations it carried illicit cargo for a Hezbollah-owned company. In December the crew repelled an attempted US boarding near Venezuelan waters, after which the ship was renamed, a Russian flag was painted on its hull and it was added to Russia's official shipping registry; Moscow lodged a formal diplomatic protest demanding Washington halt its pursuit.

Key Topics

World, Marinera, North Atlantic, Uscgc Munro, Russian Navy, Shadow Fleet