U.S. Forces Seize Russian-Flagged Oil Tanker in North Atlantic Amid Sanctions Enforcement

U.S. European Command (EUCOM) has confirmed the successful seizure of the Russian-flagged oil tanker Marinera (formerly known as Bella 1) in the North Atlantic. The operation, conducted pursuant to a U.S. federal court warrant, targeted the vessel for violations of American sanctions related to illicit oil trades involving Venezuela and Iran.

"The vessel was seized in the North Atlantic after being tracked by the USCGC Munro," EUCOM stated on X. The action involved coordination between the Department of Justice, Department of Homeland Security, and Department of Defense, with support from U.S. Coast Guard and special operations forces.

The dramatic operation followed a weeks-long pursuit across the Atlantic. The tanker, part of a "shadow fleet" used to evade sanctions on Venezuelan oil exports, initially fled a U.S. interception attempt near Venezuela last month. During the chase, it was renamed Marinera, reflagged to Russia, and reportedly had a Russian flag painted on its hull in an effort to claim protection.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem praised the operation, noting the crew of the USCGC Munro endured "treacherous storms" during the pursuit. Russian state media outlet RT released footage and images purportedly showing U.S. helicopters approaching the vessel during the boarding, which occurred without reported resistance.

Russia has strongly condemned the seizure, calling it a violation of international maritime law and an act of "piracy." Moscow claims the tanker was lawfully registered under its flag and was sailing in international waters.

This incident escalates tensions as part of President Trump's broader enforcement of a blockade on sanctioned Venezuelan oil tankers, aimed at disrupting funding for the regime following recent U.S. actions in the region. A second sanctioned tanker, the M/T Sophia, was also intercepted in the Caribbean on the same day.

The Marinera was empty at the time of seizure, but its history of transporting sanctioned crude underscores ongoing efforts to curb "dark fleet" operations supporting Iran, Russia, and Venezuela.