US Seizes Russia-Flagged Tanker In Atlantic, Intercepts Second Vessel In Caribbean

Last Updated:January 07, 2026, 20:45 IST

The tanker was sailing under a Russian flag at the time of the seizure and reports indicate that Russian naval assets were present in the area during the pursuit.

The Marinera’s reflagging under a Russian registry adds another layer of complexity.

The United States seized a Venezuela-linked oil tanker Marinera following a pursuit that lasted more than two weeks across the Atlantic, escalating Washington’s campaign against sanctioned oil shipments and raising tensions involving Russia. The tanker was originally known as Bella-1 before being renamed and reflagged under a Russian registry. US authorities said that the vessel evaded a maritime blockade of sanctioned tankers and repeatedly rebuffed efforts by the US Coast Guard to board it, prompting an extended chase through international waters.

The seizure was carried out by the Coast Guard with support from the US military. Russian naval assets were reported to be operating in the general vicinity during the operation, including a Russian submarine.

Why Marinera Was Targeted?

US officials said Marinera was linked to oil shipments connected to Venezuela and was part of a broader effort to evade sanctions through renaming and reflagging. Washington has imposed sweeping sanctions on Venezuela’s oil sector, accusing Nicolas Maduro’s government of using illicit exports to finance corruption and repression. In recent weeks, US authorities have intercepted multiple Venezuela-linked tankers in Latin American and Atlantic waters as part of what officials describe as a maritime blockade aimed at enforcing those sanctions.

The Marinera’s reflagging under a Russian registry added a layer of diplomatic sensitivity to the seizure. Moscow has deepened political and economic ties with Venezuela and has repeatedly criticised US sanctions as illegal, warning against interference with Russian-flagged vessels.

M/T Sophia Seized In Caribbean

In a separate operation, US authorities also apprehended a stateless, sanctioned “dark fleet" tanker, M/T Sophia, in the Caribbean Sea, according to an official statement. The pre-dawn action was carried out by the Department of War in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security. The vessel was operating in international waters and was accused of conducting illicit activities. The US Coast Guard is escorting M/T Sophia to the United States for what authorities described as “final disposition."

US officials said the seizure of M/T Sophia was conducted under Operation Southern Spear, an initiative aimed at dismantling illicit maritime networks operating in the Western Hemisphere.

“Through Operation Southern Spear, the Department of War is unwavering in its mission to crush illicit activity in the Western Hemisphere," the statement said, adding that the operation reflects a commitment to defending the homeland and restoring security across the Americas.

What Happens Next?

Both seizures show the expanding scope of US maritime enforcement against sanctioned oil transport, including vessels operating far from Venezuelan waters. Legal proceedings are expected to determine the fate of the seized tankers and any penalties against individuals or entities linked to them.

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