Three Indian seafarers are among the 28 crew members of the Russian oil tanker Marinera, seized by the US Coast Guard in the North Atlantic. The incident, involving crew from multiple countries, has sparked a diplomatic row between Russia and the US. India has yet to officially respond to the situation.
The U.S. Coast Guard recently seized two oil tankers tied to Venezuela, including the Russian-flagged Marinera, which had previously evaded a blockade. This operation occurred in the North Atlantic, under U.S. coordination, while Russian military vessels were nearby. Homeland Security affirmed the vessels’ involvement in transporting sanctioned oil.
The oil tanker previously known as Bella 1, now Marinera, is navigating the North Atlantic under a Russian flag. Located 200 nautical miles south of Iceland, it has sparked speculation regarding its destination of Murmansk. Tensions rise as U.S. forces prepare for potential actions against the vessel amid escalating military presence.
The oil tanker Hyperion has switched to the Russian flag, a strategic move to protect against U.S. seizure. This marks a growing trend of shadow fleet tankers reflagging to evade sanctions. Experts express concerns about enforcement implications, especially regarding Venezuela’s oil trade, as such tactics could complicate U.S. operations.
A Hong Kong court sentenced captain Lin Shou-wen to 14 months in prison for endangering maritime safety after a fatal collision with a fishing boat. Lin admitted to taking a shortcut and failing to assign a lookout, leading to one death and six rescues. The judge criticized his delayed response.
Russia has formally requested the U.S. to cease its pursuit of an oil tanker, previously known as Bella 1, which has been evading American authorities in the Atlantic for two weeks. The vessel, initially from Iran, was allegedly attempting to load oil in Venezuela when it ignored Coast Guard orders.
The Skipper, a large crude carrier linked to Venezuela, was seized by the US on December 10 and has arrived at the Galveston Offshore Lightering Area. Kevin Hassett from the White House’s National Economic Council stated that the seized tankers were involved in black market oil trade, emphasizing minimal market impact.
The oil tanker Talara, seized by Iranian forces, has been released without its cargo. The crew is safe and in good spirits. This incident raises concerns about Iran’s targeting of merchant ships amid ongoing tensions. Although specific violations were not disclosed, Iranian state media indicated unspecified infractions.
A fire erupted Saturday in Yeosu, South Korea, involving an oil tanker and a cargo ship, resulting in one death and two injuries. While both vessels were moored, witnesses alerted the Coast Guard. Rescue operations saved 18 crew members, but the cargo ship’s captain was found unconscious and later died.
Iranian officials recently seized a foreign oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman, confiscating over 2 million liters of suspected smuggled fuel. The vessel’s 17-member crew, including the captain, has been arrested. The ship’s identity is undisclosed, as authorities conduct tests to confirm the fuel’s type and legality.
A cargo ship collided with an oil tanker carrying jet fuel for the US military off the coast of Hull, England, causing both vessels to catch fire. Video footage showed thick black smoke billowing from the ships. Fortunately, all 37 crew members on board were safe, with one individual hospitalized.
The Liberian-flagged crude oil tanker Chrysalis, previously targeted by Yemen’s Houthis, successfully passed through the Red Sea this week, per the Suez Canal. This voyage, following the militia’s ceasefire announcement, signals a return to normalcy for shipping companies. Egypt’s Suez Canal Authority views the Chrysalis’ transit as a step towards regional stability.
A Panamanian-flagged oil tanker, the Eventin, was stranded in the Baltic Sea but has been safely brought to the German island of Rügen. Carrying 100,000 tons of oil, it is being held by two tugs near the port of Sassnitz. German authorities are deciding on the next steps for the tanker.
Finland’s public transport agency found serious deficiencies in the Eagle S tanker, suspecting it of damaging undersea cables in the Baltic Sea. The vessel, carrying Russian oil, is banned from operating until repairs are made. NATO plans to increase its presence in the region due to outages following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
A Finnish court has denied the release of the oil tanker Eagle S, suspected of damaging undersea power lines and telecom cables in the Baltic Sea. Owned by Caravella LLC FZ, the tanker remains seized as authorities investigate. Baltic nations are on high alert, with NATO increasing presence in the region.
