The United States has successfully seized the oil tanker Marinera, previously known as Bella 1, following a pursuit that lasted over two weeks on the open sea, according to U.S. government officials cited by Reuters on Tuesday.
This vessel, associated with transporting Venezuelan crude oil under international sanctions, was intercepted in the Atlantic's international waters. It had managed to dodge a maritime blockade enforced by Washington and resisted multiple boarding attempts by the U.S. Coast Guard.
As per the sources, the operation was carried out by combined units of the U.S. Coast Guard and special forces, culminating in a complete takeover of the ship without any armed conflict.
During the operation, nearby presence of Russian ships and a submarine heightened diplomatic tensions between Washington and Moscow.
The Marinera, which recently changed its flag to that of the Russian Federation, was identified by U.S. naval intelligence as part of the "shadow fleet" that transports Venezuelan and Iranian oil to circumvent financial sanctions.
This seizure marks the third maritime interdiction operation by the U.S. in the Caribbean and the Atlantic since December, as part of former President Donald Trump's campaign to obstruct the Venezuelan regime's oil revenue and disrupt supply routes involving allies like Iran and Russia.
Currently, U.S. authorities have not disclosed the final destination of the ship or the whereabouts of its crew, who may face charges for breaching international sanctions.
Key Questions on U.S. Seizure of the Marinera
What triggered the U.S. operation to seize the Marinera?
The operation was triggered by the Marinera's involvement in transporting Venezuelan oil in violation of international sanctions, as well as its evasion of a U.S.-imposed maritime blockade.
How did the U.S. manage to intercept the Marinera?
The U.S. intercepted the Marinera through coordinated efforts between the Coast Guard and special forces, successfully taking control of the ship in international waters without armed conflict.
Why was the Marinera flagged under the Russian Federation?
The Marinera adopted the Russian Federation flag as part of its strategy to be part of the "shadow fleet" transporting oil in defiance of financial sanctions.