US forces have boarded and seized a Russian-flagged oil tanker known as the Marinera—previously called the Bella 1—in the North Atlantic, following a weeks-long pursuit that began in the Caribbean. In a separate operation, American authorities also apprehended another tanker, the Sophia, in the Caribbean Sea.
The Marinera is accused of being part of a “shadow fleet” that transports sanctioned Venezuelan and Iranian oil, evading international restrictions. The vessel had changed its name, flag, and course multiple times to avoid capture, including a recent temporary registration under Russia. US officials maintain it was effectively stateless due to improper flagging during its voyage, allowing the boarding under a court warrant.
The UK provided support for the Atlantic operation, including air surveillance and naval assets, as part of efforts to combat sanctions evasion.
This comes days after US special forces captured former Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro in Caracas, flying him to New York to face narco-terrorism and drug trafficking charges. The Trump administration has announced that Venezuela’s interim government will hand over 30 to 50 million barrels of oil to the US, to be sold at market rates with proceeds benefiting both nations—though controlled by Washington.
White House officials described the tanker seizures as enforcement against illicit activities, with the crew potentially facing prosecution. Russia has protested the action, demanding proper treatment for any citizens on board and calling it unlawful, while keeping its response measured.
The moves underscore escalating US pressure on networks linked to sanctioned oil trade, with broader implications for global shipping and energy markets.