Weeks-long pursuit ends in the North Atlantic
The United States has seized a Russian-flagged oil tanker in the North Atlantic following a dramatic pursuit that stretched across international waters. The vessel, formerly known as the Bella 1 and later renamed the Marinera, had been attempting to evade U.S. authorities after fleeing an American blockade targeting Venezuelan oil shipments.
U.S. officials said the operation was carried out early Wednesday after weeks of monitoring. The tanker was accused of violating U.S. sanctions related to illicit oil transport connected to Venezuela.
Second tanker also intercepted in the Caribbean
Alongside the seizure of the Marinera, U.S. forces also apprehended another sanctioned vessel, the M/T Sophia, which authorities described as part of a so-called “dark fleet” operating illegally in Caribbean waters.
Officials said both operations were conducted safely within hours of each other, marking a significant escalation in enforcement of the U.S. blockade on sanctioned Venezuelan oil exports.
Russia condemns the operation
Moscow reacted angrily, accusing Washington of violating international maritime law. Russian officials argued that the tanker had received authorization to sail under the Russian flag in late December and said communication with the ship was lost after U.S. forces boarded it.
Russian authorities insisted that freedom of navigation on the high seas had been breached and said they were closely monitoring the situation amid rising tensions.
Part of a wider geopolitical standoff
The seizure has emerged as a new flashpoint between the United States and Russia, following Washington’s recent intervention in Venezuela and the capture of its former president. The tanker case adds further strain to relations already shaped by sanctions, energy politics and military posturing.
U.S. officials emphasized that the global blockade of sanctioned Venezuelan oil remains in effect worldwide, warning that vessels attempting to bypass restrictions will continue to face enforcement action.
More tankers under scrutiny
Authorities believe the Marinera may not be the only ship attempting to circumvent sanctions. Several other tankers previously operating near Venezuela have reportedly changed flags and names in recent weeks, raising concerns that enforcement efforts could expand further.
As monitoring continues, the seizures highlight the growing risks for operators involved in sanctioned oil trade and underline the widening scope of the U.S. effort to disrupt illicit energy shipments.