The United States is moving to seize an oil tanker linked to Venezuela after a more than two‑week chase across the Atlantic, U.S. officials say, in an operation involving the U.S. Coast Guard and military that has heightened geopolitical tensions, particularly with Russia.
The vessel, originally known as the Bella‑1, evaded a U.S. maritime “blockade” targeting sanctioned tankers and resisted U.S. boarding attempts by refusing to let Coast Guard personnel come aboard. It sailed out of the Caribbean and into the North Atlantic, where the pursuit has continued.
Reflagging and Russian Naval Presence
To complicate efforts to seize it, the tanker — now renamed the Marinera — is registered under a Russian flag after its crew painted Russia’s colours on its hull in a bid to claim protection from Moscow. Reports indicate that Russia has dispatched at least one submarine and possibly other naval vessels to escort or monitor the ship as it travels through international waters.
That development adds a new layer to what began as an enforcement action under U.S. sanctions policy, potentially raising the risk of a broader diplomatic or naval confrontation.
Part of a Broader Sanctions Enforcement Push
The pursuit comes amid the Trump administration’s expanded effort to cut off oil revenue for the government of Venezuela — and by extension, reduce funds available to networks the U.S. government deems problematic — through a naval blockade and sanctions on tankers tied to Venezuelan oil exports. Two other Venezuela‑linked tankers have already been intercepted by the U.S. Coast Guard in recent months under this campaign.
Officials say the Marinera is suspected of ties to those same networks and is now under active surveillance as efforts to finalize a seizure continue.
Potential Flashpoint With Russia
The presence of Russian naval assets, including submarines accompanying the tanker, underscores the risk that a maritime law enforcement action could spill into wider geopolitical contention. Both Washington and Moscow have emphasized their positions, with Russia protesting U.S. pursuit and demanding the chase be halted, while U.S. authorities maintain they are prepared to press on under sanctions enforcement authorities.
