US Forces Seize Russian-Flagged Vessel Linked to Venezuela After Long Chase

The United States has detained a Marinera — formerly known as the M/V Bella 1 — in the northern Atlantic Ocean after a prolonged pursuit by American maritime forces.

The US European Command confirmed the action, marking the latest escalation in Washington’s enforcement of sanctions targeting oil shipments bound for Venezuela.

A Long Chase Across the Atlantic

The tanker was seized under a warrant issued by a US federal court for violating American sanctions, according to US European Command. The vessel had been tracked for more than two weeks before being apprehended in international waters after refusing to stop when initially intercepted.

The pursuit began when the ship attempted to break through a US maritime blockade near Venezuela while en route to load Venezuelan oil.

US authorities say the tanker was initially headed toward Venezuela without cargo when it was pursued by the USCGC Munro, a US Coast Guard cutter involved in the chase.

The vessel, having evaded interception attempts, changed its name to Marinera and hoisted the Russian flag, asserting Moscow’s protection. It was ultimately stopped in the North Atlantic.

Violation of Sanctions and Flag Changes

US officials maintain that the vessel’s activities violated sanctions related to transporting oil linked to Iran and other restricted entities and that the ship’s reflagging was an attempt to evade enforcement.

These types of “shadow fleet” manoeuvres are increasingly common among ships attempting to transport energy supplies to sanctioned countries by flying irregular flags or altering identities.

Moscow has condemned the seizure, with Russian authorities calling it a violation of international maritime law and describing the operation as tantamount to piracy, a charge echoed in diplomatic protests. Russia has demanded humane treatment and repatriation of the crew.

Blockade and Shadow Fleet Crackdown

The Marinera seizure is part of a wider US operation, often identified in open-source reporting as Operation Southern Spear, aimed at disrupting sanctioned oil transport connected with Venezuela and its allies.

Since late 2025, the United States has increased naval and Coast Guard activity off Venezuela and in the wider Atlantic, including blockading sanctioned tankers, intercepting vessels in the Caribbean, and pursuing ships that turn off transponders or attempt to avoid enforcement.

Alongside the Marinera, another vessel known as M/T Sophia was seized in the Caribbean Sea in a related operation, illustrating sustained pressure on maritime routes used to supply Venezuelan oil.

Pressure on Venezuela and Sanctions Messaging

The capture of a Russian-flagged, Venezuelan-linked tanker carries multiple implications:

• It underscores the reach of US legal and enforcement mechanisms beyond littoral waters.
• By targeting vessels attempting to circumvent sanctions, Washington signals tougher action against both state and private actors involved in prohibited oil trade.
• Russia’s diplomatic objections risk heightening tensions over freedom of navigation and maritime sovereignty, especially in a climate already strained by broader geopolitical disputes.

Moreover, the enforcement campaign follows sanctions Washington imposed on Chinese companies and tankers tied to Venezuela at the end of December. Such actions reveal a strategic drive to control oil revenue flows and tighten economic pressure on Caracas.

What Happens Next?

The detained vessel and its crew face legal processes under US jurisdiction. The US Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security are coordinating the case, while international reactions, especially from Russia, may shape subsequent diplomatic exchanges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was the tanker seized?
It was detained for violating US sanctions by attempting to transport oil linked to Venezuela after evading a maritime blockade.

Did the ship change its identity?
Yes, it was renamed Marinera and reflagged under the Russian flag during the pursuit to complicate enforcement.

Who captured the vessel?
US forces, primarily the Coast Guard and European Command assets, tracked and seized it.

How has Russia responded?
Moscow condemned the seizure as illegal under maritime law and termed it piracy.

Is this part of a larger operation?
Yes, the action is part of broader US efforts to enforce sanctions on Venezuelan oil shipments, including blockades and multiple tanker detentions.