The US military has seized a Russian-flagged oil tanker, ‘Marinera’, in the North Atlantic, according to Russia’s Transport Ministry. The tanker was intercepted northwest of Scotland over an alleged violation of US sanctions. The operation was carried out by the US Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security, in coordination with the military.
The vessel, which was initially named Bella 1 and operating under the flag of Guyana, was tracked by US authorities from the Caribbean Sea. The US Coast Guard attempted to detain it, but the tanker declined to follow orders and changed course, entering the Atlantic Ocean. During the pursuit, the tanker’s captain changed the ship’s name to Marinera and obtained temporary registration under the Russian flag.
Despite this, the ship was seized on the basis of a warrant issued by a US federal court. The tanker’s crew consists of 28 people, including six citizens of Georgia, 17 of Ukraine, three of India, and two Russians. Russia’s Foreign Ministry has condemned the seizure, saying it constitutes a grave violation of international maritime law.
Moscow has called on Washington to immediately cease illegal actions against the tanker and other vessels engaged in lawful activities on the high seas. The Russian Transport Ministry has also stated that the attack on the vessel came in violation of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, which ensures freedom of navigation in international waters.
China has also condemned the US actions, with the Foreign Ministry saying the move seriously violates international law. Former Austrian Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl has slammed the seizure as a blatant violation of international law, while an ex-Marine and seasoned police officer, John Mark Dougan, has described it as an act of theft and piracy under the guise of legal terms.
The seizure has sparked international concern, with many countries criticizing the US for its actions. The incident highlights the ongoing tensions between the US and Russia, as well as the complexities of international maritime law. The Russian government has vowed to handle all issues related to protecting its citizens aboard the vessel, and the situation is being closely monitored by the international community.
