US authorities have taken control of the Russian-flagged oil tanker Marinera after a successful operation. Despite efforts by Vladimir Putin to safeguard the vessel, it is now under US custody, as confirmed by an American official to NBC News. US law enforcement officials, led by Homeland Security, are currently aboard the tanker.
The US European Command has announced the seizure of the M/V Bella 1 for violating US sanctions. The vessel was apprehended in the North Atlantic following a warrant issued by a US federal court, with tracking assistance from USCGC Munro.
Reports suggest that Donald Trump may have seized the tanker, which is reportedly en route to the UK. Downing Street has chosen not to comment on this speculation or the use of British military bases by third parties.
President Trump had earlier declared a “blockade” on sanctioned oil tankers traveling to and from Venezuela. The Venezuelan government criticized this move as “theft.” Marinera, operating under the Russian flag, was navigating between Scotland and Iceland, having evaded interception near Venezuela.
This recent US operation to intercept the Marinera follows a previous attempt in the Caribbean. The US Coast Guard had a warrant to impound the ship for allegedly violating sanctions and transporting Iranian oil.
A Russian news outlet reported that American military personnel were being landed on the Venezuelan-linked oil tanker Marinera by helicopter. The operation also involved a Russian submarine escorting the vessel.
Surveillance aircraft like the P-8 Poseidon and an AC-130J bomber were part of the operation. Tracking data indicated that Marinera altered its course and speed, moving southwards in the North Atlantic.
The vessel, formerly named Bella 1 and currently empty, typically transported Venezuelan crude oil. Flight tracking data revealed US special operations aircraft in Scotland heading towards Iceland. Various aircraft, including P8 Poseidon and KC-135 refueling planes, were observed near the tanker’s location.
Additionally, an RAF RC-135W Rivet Joint surveillance plane was spotted flying over the tanker’s route.