North Atlantic Showdown: Venezuelan Tanker Seeks Russian Protection from US Capture
A dramatic showdown is taking place in the North Atlantic as a Venezuelan oil tanker races towards Russia in an attempt to escape US capture.
The Trump administration is drawing up plans to try and intercept and seize the sanctioned vessel that Moscow has claimed jurisdiction over. Originally named the Bella 1, the ship was sanctioned by the US in 2024 for operating within a ‘shadow fleet’ of tankers transporting illicit oil.
US Military Aircraft Monitor Vessel’s Progress
The tanker evaded seizure in the Caribbean Sea last month, but has recently been spotted in the Atlantic, around 500 miles from Ireland’s west coast. US military aircraft flying from RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk are monitoring the ship, according to flight tracking data. Additionally, RAF Typhoon fighter jets, accompanied by KC2 aerial refuelling tankers, are aiding the search.
Russian Protection Claimed
At one point while being pursued, the crew of the vessel painted a Russian flag on its hull, claiming it was sailing under Russian protection. Not long after, the tanker appeared on Moscow’s official register of ships under a new identity – the Marinera. The Kremlin filed a formal diplomatic request in December demanding that the US stop pursuing the ship.
Complicated Legalities
By claiming Russian status, the legalities of confronting the tanker could become more complicated. Plans for the capture of the oil tanker come amid a series of US military transporter planes landing at RAF Fairford carrying helicopters understood to be deployed in clandestine special forces operations.
Capture or Sink?
CBS News cited two officials who said American forces would rather seize the ship than sink it. The mission to seize the Bella 1, or the Marinera, could come as soon as this week, the broadcaster added.
Original Article: Showdown in the North Atlantic as Venezuelan tanker races towards Russia in attempt to escape US capture — Co