The United States has seized a Russian-flagged oil tanker named Marinera in the North Sea after pursuing the vessel for more than two weeks, escalating tensions over US sanctions enforcement. The operation was carried out amid reports that Russia had attempted to shield the tanker by placing it under its flag and raising diplomatic objections.
The US military’s European Command confirmed the seizure in a post on social media platform X, saying the action was taken for violations of US sanctions. “The Justice Department and the Department of Homeland Security, in coordination with the Department of Defence, announced the seizure of the vessel for violations of US sanctions,” the statement said. It added that the operation followed a warrant issued by a US federal court and was supported by the US Coast Guard.
According to US officials, the tanker was seized in the North Atlantic after being closely tracked by American and allied forces. Surveillance aircraft from US bases in Iceland, along with British assets, had been monitoring the ship for days. The vessel abruptly changed course and slowed down shortly before it was boarded.
The New York Times reported that no Russian naval ships were present when the US Coast Guard boarded the tanker, avoiding a possible confrontation between American and Russian forces. Earlier reports had suggested that Russian military vessels, including a submarine, were operating in the wider area near Iceland, though it was unclear how close they were to the operation.
Originally named Bella 1, the tanker was sanctioned by the US in 2024 for allegedly transporting oil in violation of sanctions. It later changed its name to Marinera and was reportedly travelling from Iran to Venezuela. After attempting to evade a US maritime blockade near Venezuelan waters, the ship altered its route and headed back into the Atlantic.
This was not the first attempt by US forces to stop the tanker. In December, the crew reportedly refused boarding by the US Coast Guard near Venezuela. Soon after that incident, a Russian flag was painted on the hull and the ship was added to Russia’s official shipping registry. Moscow then lodged a formal protest, demanding that Washington stop pursuing the vessel.
Russian state broadcaster RT released grainy images showing a helicopter approaching the tanker and claimed an operation was underway. Reuters, citing US officials, also reported that American forces were trying to board the ship at the time.
A US official said the seizure was part of a broader effort to enforce sanctions. “This action supports the president’s proclamation targeting sanctioned vessels that threaten regional security,” the official said, adding that it showed a “whole-of-government approach” involving multiple US agencies.
Separately, the US Coast Guard also intercepted another Venezuela-linked tanker in Latin American waters. In a statement, US Southern Command said, “In a pre-dawn action, the Department of Defense, in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security, apprehended a stateless, sanctioned dark fleet motor tanker without incident.”
The seizures come as the United States intensifies pressure on Venezuela and its oil trade under President Donald Trump’s campaign against sanctioned energy shipments. US officials say the operations are aimed at disrupting illegal oil flows, while Venezuela and its allies have accused Washington of aggression and economic coercion.
