The US European Command confirmed the detention of the Russian oil tanker Mariner by the United States on suspicion of violating existing US sanctions.

“The vessel was detained in the North Atlantic pursuant to a US federal court warrant,” the command said in a statement published on the social media platform X.

It was clarified that the US Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security, acting in coordination with the Pentagon, were involved in the operation.

Earlier, the Russian Foreign Ministry stated that Moscow was monitoring with concern the anomalous situation surrounding the Russian oil tanker Mariner, which was operating in international waters in the North Atlantic under the Russian flag and in full compliance with international maritime law. The ministry emphasized that “for unknown reasons, the Russian tanker is receiving increased attention from the US and NATO militaries, which is clearly disproportionate to its peaceful status.” Moscow expects that “Western countries that declare their commitment to freedom of navigation on the high seas will begin with themselves when implementing this principle.”

US Forces Board Russian-Flagged Tanker “Marinera”

According to Fox News journalist Lucas Tomlinson, US military personnel have boarded the tanker Marinera, which is under sanctions. The operation occurred between Iceland and the British Isles, before Russian warships and a submarine could reach the area. The tanker was formerly known as Bella 1 but was re-registered as a Russian vessel.

Russia has deployed a submarine and other naval forces to escort the oil tanker Bella 1 in international waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

The United States is conducting an operation to seize the tanker Marinera (formerly Bella 1), linked to Venezuela, according to a US official!

The operation could increase tensions with Russia, as Russian naval vessels, including a submarine, were near the tanker during the operation. Marinera previously evaded the US Coast Guard blockade and refused inspection attempts.

The crew consists of Russian, Ukrainian, and Indian citizens. The tanker previously transported oil from Venezuela and Iranian oil, which triggered US sanctions enforcement and a legal seizure order. In late December, the US Coast Guard attempted to intercept Bella 1 in the Caribbean, but the crew changed course and raised the Russian flag.

Russia has deployed a submarine and other naval forces to escort the oil tanker Bella 1 in neutral waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

Since late December, the tanker has been monitored by a U.S. Coast Guard ship as well as several U.S. military transport aircraft. This was reported on Wednesday, January 7, by The Wall Street Journal, citing a U.S. official.

The ship was later renamed Marinera and registered in Russia. The tanker is currently in neutral waters between Iceland and Scotland, about 4,000 km from the US coast, making direct interception complicated.

The US has been tracking Marinera with multiple military aircraft (transport, patrol, and reconnaissance planes) and may need a larger force to carry out a seizure.

British, French, and Irish aircraft have also been involved in the monitoring. The US prefers to seize the ship rather than sink it, but weather, distance, and the presence of Russian naval forces make the operation challenging.