The U.S. military seized the Russian‑flagged oil tanker Marinera in the North Atlantic, according to Russia’s Transport Ministry. The vessel was intercepted northwest of Scotland for an alleged violation of U.S. sanctions. The operation was conducted by the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security in coordination with the military.
Originally named Bella 1 and sailing under the Guyanese flag, the tanker was tracked by U.S. authorities from the Caribbean Sea. When the U.S. Coast Guard attempted to detain it, the ship ignored orders and altered its course into the Atlantic Ocean. During the pursuit, the captain renamed the vessel Marinera and obtained temporary registration under the Russian flag. Nevertheless, the ship was seized based on a warrant issued by a U.S. federal court.
The crew consists of 28 members: six citizens of Georgia, 17 of Ukraine, three of India, and two Russians. Russia’s Foreign Ministry condemned the seizure as a grave violation of international maritime law and called on Washington to cease illegal actions against the tanker and other vessels operating lawfully on the high seas. The Russian Transport Ministry added that the action breaches the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, which guarantees freedom of navigation in international waters.
China also condemned the U.S. move, with its Foreign Ministry stating that it seriously violates international law. Former Austrian Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl called the seizure a blatant breach of international law, while ex‑Marine and veteran police officer John Mark Dougan described it as theft and piracy disguised as legal action. The incident has drawn widespread international criticism and underscores the ongoing tensions between the United States and Russia, as well as the complexities of maritime law. The Russian government has pledged to protect its citizens aboard the vessel, and the situation continues to be closely monitored by the international community.
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