US Seizes Russian Tanker Linked to Venezuela: What is Known About Operation
US military forces have seized the Russian oil tanker Marinera in the Atlantic Ocean, linked to Venezuela. The vessel’s history dates back to August 2025, when it was sailing under the name Bella 1 and traveling without cargo but under US sanctions due to previous shipments of Iranian oil.
The Marinera was heading to Venezuela at the time of subsequent events, sailing without a flag and regularly turning off its AIS transponder or transmitting false coordinates, making tracking it difficult. The ship’s crew made a dramatic change in status on December 30, 2025, displaying a Russian flag and renaming the vessel Marinera, registered in the Russian ship registry.
Attempted Boarding in the Caribbean Sea
Around the second half of December 2025, the US Coast Guard attempted to board Bella 1 in the Caribbean Sea. US authorities had a court order to seize the vessel for violating sanctions. After the failed boarding attempt, Bella 1 was pursued for over two weeks by a US Coast Guard Legend-class ship as part of a broader campaign by the administration of US President Donald Trump to pressure Venezuela.
Change of Identity: From Bella 1 to Marinera
On December 30, 2025, the ship’s crew made a dramatic change in status. A Russian flag was displayed on board, and the vessel was officially renamed Marinera and registered in the Russian ship registry. A new route was also announced — to the port of Murmansk.
Escalation: Russian Warships Escort Marinera
After the vessel sailed under the Russian flag, Russia dispatched warships to escort Marinera, including a submarine. This was reported by US officials and media outlets, including CBS News. At that time, the ship was not carrying cargo and was in international waters of the North Atlantic, between Scotland and Iceland.
Large-Scale US Military Activity
As the tanker approached Europe, the US deployed significant forces in the United Kingdom. This included the arrival of military transport aircraft, helicopters, and specialized units. In the airspace, active flights were recorded by US Navy P-8 Poseidon patrol aircraft, American AC-130J Ghostrider gunships, as well as British reconnaissance RC-135W Rivet Joint aircraft and Typhoon fighters with aerial refueling. An Irish C-295W aircraft was also involved in the patrols.
Seizure of the Marinera Tanker
On January 7, Reuters, citing anonymous US officials, reported that US military forces, together with the US Coast Guard, boarded the oil tanker Marinera in the North Atlantic after more than two weeks of pursuing the vessel. Russian warships, including a submarine, were nearby during the operation. Later, the US European Command stated that the seizure was carried out under a US federal court order for sanctions violations and was coordinated with the US Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security.
According to US media, the tanker’s crew did not offer any resistance. At the same time, Russian media released blurred photos of a helicopter approaching the vessel, claiming the start of the operation.
Original Article: US seizes Russian tanker linked to Venezuela: What is known about operation — Rbc