US seizes Russian-flagged oil tanker for Venezuela links

A Russian-flagged oil tanker seized by the US military in the North Atlantic had a crew of 28 people, including three Indian nationals, Russia Today  reported. The vessel, identified as Marinera, was tracked by US forces from the Caribbean Sea before being intercepted on Wednesday, reportedly due to its alleged links to Venezuela.

Three Indian on board

According to reports, the tanker was chartered by a private trader and was previously named Bella 1, operating under the flag of Guyana. The crew comprised 17 Ukrainian nationals, six Georgians, three Indians, and two Russians. The seizure reportedly occurred after the vessel slipped through a US maritime blockade on sanctioned tankers and resisted attempts by the US Coast Guard to board it.

US authorities later confirmed that they seized two sanctioned oil tankers linked to Venezuela. One was Bella 1, later renamed Marinera, while the other was M Sophia, a Panama-flagged vessel described as a sanctioned “dark fleet” tanker. US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said both ships were either last docked in Venezuela or en route to the country.

Russia’s transport ministry said it lost contact with the tanker after US naval forces boarded it. A senior Russian lawmaker termed the action “outright piracy.” The UK confirmed it provided operational support to the US during the seizure.