US Seizes Venezuela-Linked Oil Tanker Flying Russian Flag After Atlantic Pursuit
The United States has seized an oil tanker linked to Venezuelan crude exports that was sailing under a Russian flag, following a pursuit that lasted more than two weeks across the Atlantic Ocean, according to US officials. The operation marks a rare instance of American forces taking control of a vessel registered to Russia.
The tanker, now known as Marinera and previously called Bella-1, was intercepted on Wednesday in waters near Iceland. US authorities said the ship had been operating in violation of American sanctions aimed at restricting Venezuelan oil exports.
A senior US official confirmed that the operation involved both the US Coast Guard and the US military. Special forces assisted in the initial phase of the boarding but later handed full control of the vessel to the Coast Guard.
Sanctions Enforcement Operation
In a statement posted on social media, US European Command said the tanker was seized as part of Washington’s broader enforcement of sanctions on illicit Venezuelan oil shipments. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reinforced that message, stating that the blockade on sanctioned Venezuelan oil remains in effect worldwide.
US officials said the vessel had previously evaded a Coast Guard boarding attempt in the Caribbean last month. After that encounter, the ship reportedly changed its name and re-registered under a Russian flag, a move analysts say does not shield vessels from sanctions enforcement.
Russian Presence in the Area
According to US officials who spoke on condition of anonymity, Russian naval assets were operating in the general area during the seizure, including a submarine. However, they said there was no direct confrontation between US and Russian forces during the operation.
Russia’s transport ministry later said it had lost contact with the tanker following the boarding. A senior Russian lawmaker described the seizure as an act of piracy, according to Russian state media.
The incident has added to growing tensions between Washington and Moscow, particularly as the US intensifies efforts to block energy exports linked to Venezuela.
Unclear Next Destination
It remains uncertain where the seized tanker will be taken next. Sources familiar with the matter said it could be escorted into British territorial waters, though the UK Ministry of Defence declined to comment on the situation.
The seizure comes only days after US special forces carried out a dramatic operation in Caracas that resulted in the arrest of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, who was later transferred to the United States to face criminal charges related to alleged drug trafficking. US officials have said these actions are part of a broader campaign to pressure Venezuela’s leadership and disrupt illicit revenue streams.
Second Tanker Intercepted
In a separate but related development, the US Coast Guard also intercepted another Venezuela-linked oil tanker on Wednesday in Latin American waters. US Southern Command said the Panama-flagged supertanker M Sophia was stopped before dawn and described it as a sanctioned vessel operating without proper national registration.
According to US officials, the tanker had departed Venezuelan waters earlier this month and was believed to be part of a fleet shipping oil in “dark mode,” with tracking systems switched off. The Coast Guard is now escorting the vessel to the United States for further legal action.
Escalating Maritime Pressure
The latest seizures highlight a significant escalation in US maritime enforcement tied to Venezuela. Since the start of President Donald Trump’s renewed pressure campaign, American authorities have increased surveillance and interdictions of tankers suspected of breaching sanctions.
Maritime analysts note that while changing a ship’s name or flag can complicate tracking, enforcement actions are typically based on ownership history, sanction records, and vessel identification numbers rather than registry alone.
As global shipping routes face heightened scrutiny, industry experts warn that the growing use of military-backed enforcement could further strain international relations, particularly in contested waters.