The tanker, previously known as Bella 1, was seized in the northern part of the Atlantic based on an order issued by a federal court in the USA. It was monitored by the US Coast Guard ship USCGC Munro, as reported by the US European Command on the social network X.
The operation to seize the vessel was coordinated by the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security in conjunction with the Department of Defense of the USA.
“This action is part of a presidential order from the USA aimed at vessels that are under American sanctions and threaten the security of the Western Hemisphere,” the command representatives added.
“The blockade of illegal Venezuelan oil continues to be enforced worldwide,” said Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Additionally, the US Southern Command reported the seizure of another stateless tanker under US sanctions in Caribbean waters. This vessel is named Sophia.
Earlier, several media outlets, including Reuters, CBS, and CNN, reported the beginning of the seizure of the tanker Marinera, which was sailing under the Russian flag.
The tanker, which changed its flag from Guyana to Russian, became one of the targets for seizure by the US Coast Guard during the pressure campaign against Venezuela initiated under President Trump.
The Russian Ministry of Transport stated in its announcement that the actions of the USA are illegal.
“According to the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, the regime of freedom of navigation applies on the high seas, and no state has the right to use force against vessels registered in other jurisdictions,” the ministry noted.
They also reported that the vessel received temporary permission to sail under the Russian flag on December 24, 2025.
The Russian Foreign Ministry stated that there are Russian citizens on board the tanker Marinera and called on the USA to ensure their safe return home. Moscow also demanded humane treatment of Russian citizens on board from Washington.
White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt stated that the court's decision regarding the seizure of the tanker also applies to the crew members, suggesting the possibility of their being brought to the USA for accountability.
According to information from the Wall Street Journal, prior to the seizure of the tanker Marinera, Moscow sent military ships to escort it, including a submarine, the type of which has not been specified.
According to US data, the tanker, which was without cargo, had previously been used to transport Venezuelan oil and was located between Scotland and Iceland on January 6.
Before conducting any military operations, the USA must notify the United Kingdom of its actions from its territory.
On Wednesday, the UK Ministry of Defense confirmed support for the USA in the operation to seize the tanker in the Atlantic and promised to “continue active actions against the shadow fleet.”
“Today, our armed forces demonstrated skill and professionalism by supporting the successful interception of the vessel Bella 1 by US forces as it was heading to Russia. This operation is part of global efforts to combat sanctions violations,” said UK Defense Secretary John Healy.
Earlier, the UK Ministry of Defense stated that it does not comment on the actions of other countries.
In December 2025, US President Donald Trump announced the introduction of a blockade against oil tankers under sanctions heading to or leaving Venezuela.
The day after the seizure of Nicolás Maduro by US military forces, Trump repeatedly accused the Venezuelan authorities of using vessels to deliver drugs to the USA.
Last month, the US Coast Guard attempted to seize the tanker Bella 1 in the Caribbean Sea as it was heading to Venezuela. US authorities had a warrant for seizure, accusing the vessel of violating sanctions and transporting Iranian oil.
After that, the tanker changed course, renamed itself Marinera, and registered under the Russian flag. The crew also painted the Russian flag on the side of the vessel.
The approach of the vessel to Europe coincided with the arrival of about ten American military transport planes and helicopters.
On Tuesday, two senior US officials told CBS News that US Navy ships plan to seize the tanker and prefer its capture over destruction.
American sources mentioned by CBS suggested that the operation could be similar to one conducted last month when US Marines and special forces, along with the Coast Guard, seized the tanker The Skipper—a large oil vessel under the Guyanese flag—as it was leaving a Venezuelan port.
Russia expressed concern over the situation with the tanker Marinera, stating that it is “watching the developments with alarm.” According to several sources from the WSJ, Moscow has urged Washington to cease the pursuit of the vessel.
The potential standoff around the tanker unfolds just days after the seizure of President Nicolás Maduro in Caracas, where US forces struck targets suspected of being involved in arms and drug trafficking.
