> At a Glance
> – The U.S. seized the Russian-flagged Marinera in the North Atlantic
> – Vessel had evaded capture since last month after departing Venezuela
> – Warrant cited breach of sanctions on Venezuelan crude
> – Why it matters: Escalates U.S.-Russia tensions and tightens blockade on Caracas oil
A cat-and-mouse pursuit across the Atlantic ended Wednesday when federal agents boarded and took control of the oil tanker Marinera, formerly sailing as Bella 1, under a U.S. court warrant for sanctions violations.
The Takedown
The Department of Homeland Security led the seizure, backed by the U.S. military and Coast Guard cutter Munro, according to U.S. European Command. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth declared the Venezuelan oil blockade remains “in FULL EFFECT – anywhere in the world.”
The tanker had changed its name and Russian flag in an apparent bid to dodge detection. It is one of four sanctioned vessels that recently swapped previous registries in Comoros or Guyana for Russian colors.
Russia Reacts
Russian Foreign Ministry protested the “disproportionate” surveillance, noting the ship was roughly 2,485 miles from U.S. coastline. Moscow claims the Marinera operated legally in international waters.
> “Our vessel is located approximately 4,000 kilometers from the U.S. coastline… receiving heightened attention… clearly disproportionate to its peaceful status.”
State outlet Tass carried the statement, while RT aired fog-shrouded footage it said showed a U.S. Coast Guard vessel shadowing the tanker.
Military Build-Up
Flight trackers logged 13 Air Force C-17A Globemaster III transports to the U.K. between Saturday and Monday. During the seizure, two Navy P-8A Poseidon patrol planes, a KC-135 tanker, two C-130J Hercules, and three U-28A Draco special-ops aircraft circled the area off Scotland’s west coast.
The U.K. military declined comment on any role in the operation.
Wider Dragnet
Last month the U.S. already grabbed two tankers near Venezuela. President Trump said Tuesday Caracas will ship 30-50 million barrels to the U.S., underscoring the strategic value of the sanctions campaign.
> “When the call comes, we will be there,” U.S. Southern Command posted Tuesday, vowing to keep tracking “sanctioned vessels and actors.”
Key Takeaways
- The Marinera is now under U.S. control after a weeks-long Atlantic pursuit
- Russia condemns the seizure as illegal; Washington calls it lawful sanctions enforcement
- At least three other tankers near Venezuela have recently re-flagged to Russia
- U.S. air and sea assets swarmed the seizure zone, signaling broader readiness
- Washington’s Venezuela oil blockade continues amid rising U.S.-Russia friction
