In a bold move that could escalate tensions, the United States is reportedly considering the seizure of a Russian-flagged oil tanker as it makes its way across the Atlantic towards Europe, according to CBS News, which collaborates with the BBC in the US. Two officials from the US government informed the news outlet that American forces are preparing to intercept this vessel, which has a history of transporting Venezuelan crude oil and is currently believed to be situated between Scotland and Iceland.
Last month, President Donald Trump announced plans for a blockade against oil tankers subject to sanctions that are either arriving or departing from Venezuela—a decision that the Venezuelan government has labeled as outright theft. This announcement came just days before Trump's controversial operation that led to the apprehension of Venezuela's former leader, Nicolás Maduro, which he claimed was necessary due to allegations that Maduro’s administration was using ships to smuggle drugs into the United States.
In a previous encounter, US Coast Guard personnel attempted to board a vessel named Bella 1 in Caribbean waters, suspecting it was en route to Venezuela. They had acquired a warrant for the ship's seizure on accusations of violating US sanctions by transporting oil from Iran. However, the vessel shifted course dramatically and changed its name to Marinera, reportedly switching its registry from a Guyanese to a Russian flag.
The timing of the Marinera’s journey towards Europe coincides with the arrival of approximately ten US military transport aircraft, alongside helicopters, in the UK. Russia has expressed its concerns about the situation surrounding this ship, stating it is monitoring developments closely. The CBS report highlighted that American forces would prefer to capture the ship rather than resort to sinking it, underlining a strategic approach.
Currently, the Marinera is navigating between Scotland and Iceland, where adverse weather conditions and the distance pose significant challenges for any boarding attempts. Should the US decide to execute a military operation from the UK, it is expected that Washington would communicate its intentions to its ally in advance.
At this juncture, the UK's Ministry of Defence has opted not to comment on the military activities of other nations. According to the US officials cited by CBS, a tactical operation similar to the recent one that involved US Marines and special forces collaborating with the Coast Guard to seize another tanker, The Skipper, may be on the table. This earlier operation occurred after the tanker left Venezuelan territory.
Tracking data from the ship's Automatic Identification System (AIS), which can be manipulated, indicates that the Marinera was located about 2,000 kilometers (approximately 1,200 miles) west of continental Europe on Tuesday. Under international maritime law, vessels flying the flag of a particular country are typically afforded the protection of that nation. However, maritime intelligence expert Dimitris Ampatzidis explained to BBC Verify that simply changing a ship's name and flag might not significantly alter its legal status.
"US action focuses on the vessel's core identity, such as its IMO number, ownership networks, and history of sanctions, rather than its external markings or flag," he clarified. While registering under the Russian flag might introduce some 'diplomatic friction,' Ampatzidis believes it would not inhibit US efforts to enforce sanctions.
The Russian foreign ministry issued a statement asserting that they are closely observing the unusual circumstances surrounding the Marinera. They emphasized that the vessel is operating in international waters under the Russian Federation's flag and aligns with international maritime laws. "It is puzzling why the US and NATO military are focusing disproportionately on our ship, which is functioning peacefully," the ministry stated. They further called upon Western nations—who profess to support freedom of navigation—to uphold this principle themselves.
The impending confrontation over this oil tanker comes on the heels of a shocking event where the US employed military force to capture Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, a close ally of Russia, from Caracas. This operation involved targeting specific sites in the city amid allegations of weapons and drug-related offenses.
