US Seizes Russian-Flagged Tanker Marinera For Violations Of Venezuelan Oil Sanctions
In a bold enforcement of U.S. sanctions, American forces have seized the Russian-flagged oil tanker Marinera (formerly known as M/V Bella 1) in the North Atlantic following a weeks-long, high-stakes pursuit.
The operation, coordinated across multiple U.S. agencies, marks a significant escalation in Washington’s campaign to choke off illicit Venezuelan oil exports amid ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region.
The seizure was confirmed by the U.S. European Command, which stated that the vessel was taken into custody “pursuant to a warrant issued by a U.S. federal court” after being tracked by the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Munro.
U.S. officials described the tanker as part of a shadowy “dark fleet” or “ghost fleet” of vessels that evade international sanctions by frequently changing names, flags, and transponder signals while transporting oil from sanctioned nations including Venezuela, Russia, and Iran.
The Marinera had evaded an initial U.S. Coast Guard boarding attempt in December near Venezuelan waters, where it was believed to be en route to load sanctioned crude.
The tanker then dramatically changed course into the Atlantic, repainted its hull, adopted the new name, and re-registered under the Russian flag—moves that complicated but did not deter the pursuit.
Reports indicate the vessel was shadowed by a Russian submarine during parts of its journey, heightening concerns of potential confrontation between the two nuclear powers.
In a separate but coordinated action, U.S. forces intercepted another Venezuela-linked tanker, the Panama-flagged M Sophia, in international waters in the Caribbean Sea during a pre-dawn operation.
U.S. Southern Command described it as a “stateless, sanctioned dark fleet motor tanker” involved in illicit activities, with the Coast Guard now escorting it to the United States.
The seizures come amid heightened U.S. pressure on Venezuela following the recent capture of former President Nicolás Maduro on drug-related charges and the installation of an interim government.
READ ALSO: President Trump Announces Securing 30–50 Million Barrels Of Venezuelan Oil For US
President Donald Trump has repeatedly emphasized a “complete blockade” on sanctioned Venezuelan oil shipments worldwide, vowing to reclaim U.S. access to the country’s vast oil reserves and disrupt funding for what Washington calls “narco-terrorism.”
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reinforced the message on social media, declaring:
“The blockade of sanctioned and illicit Venezuelan oil remains in FULL EFFECT — anywhere in the world.”
Russia has condemned the action as a violation of international maritime law, with some officials labeling it “piracy.”
The incident has sparked fears of broader escalation, as multiple tankers have reportedly switched to Russian registry in recent weeks to shield themselves from U.S. interdiction.
Analysts view the operation as a test of resolve in the ongoing U.S. effort to enforce sanctions and reshape energy flows in the Western Hemisphere.
While the seizures represent a tactical success, they also underscore the growing risks of confrontation on the high seas between major powers amid a volatile global energy market.
The Marinera is expected to be escorted to a U.S. port for further investigation, with authorities examining its cargo history and ownership ties to sanctioned entities.
No injuries were reported during the boarding operations.
This developing story continues to unfold as international reactions pour in and the implications for global oil trade and U.S.-Russia relations become clearer.
