The U.S. Coast Guard recently seized two oil tankers associated with Venezuela, including the Russian-flagged Marinera, formerly known as the Bella-1. This tanker had previously evaded a U.S. blockade in December. The operation took place in the North Atlantic, with U.S. forces coordinating the seizure, while Russian military vessels were also reported nearby. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed both vessels, including another tanker in the Caribbean, were engaged in transporting sanctioned oil.
The Marinera had been under surveillance for two weeks after a failed seizure attempt in December. Listed as a Russian vessel, it had also displayed a Russian flag. The ship’s transponder activation allowed it to be tracked near Iceland and the UK. The U.K. has expressed support for the U.S. actions, while the Russian Ministry of Transport condemned the seizure, stressing that it violated international law.
White House officials characterized the tanker as part of the “Venezuelan shadow fleet,” asserting it was stateless due to its deceptive registration. Secretary of State Marco Rubio noted U.S. control over Venezuela’s oil exports is poised to increase, indicating a comprehensive deal is in the works for the seized oil.
