US forces have taken control of the Russian-flagged oil tanker Marinera despite efforts by Vladimir Putin to protect it, according to an American official speaking to NBC News. The tanker is now under US custody, with law enforcement officials aboard led by Homeland Security.
The US European Command has announced the seizure of the M/V Bella 1 for violating US sanctions. The vessel was captured in the North Atlantic with the assistance of the USCGC Munro following a warrant issued by a US federal court.
While Downing Street has declined to comment on reports that Donald Trump has successfully seized the tanker, which is reportedly en route to the UK, they have refrained from addressing speculation regarding the use of British military bases by third parties.
President Trump had previously ordered a “blockade” on sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela, a move criticized by the Maduro government as “theft.” The Marinera, flying the Russian flag, was traveling between Scotland and Iceland after evading interception near Venezuela.
This recent operation to board the Marinera by the US follows a previous attempt in the Caribbean last month. The US Coast Guard had a warrant to seize the vessel for allegedly violating sanctions and transporting Iranian oil.
Reports from a Russian news outlet indicated that American military personnel were being landed on the Venezuelan-linked oil tanker Marinera by helicopter, with a Russian submarine accompanying the vessel during the operation.
The operation involved P-8 Poseidon surveillance aircraft and an AC-130J bomber. Tracking data revealed that the Marinera made a sudden southbound turn and decreased speed from 9 knots to 8 knots.
The vessel, previously known as Bella 1 and currently empty, typically transported Venezuelan crude oil. It was observed sailing northeast between Iceland and the UK on Wednesday.
Flight tracking websites showed US special operations aircraft landing in Scotland before heading towards Iceland. The U-28A aircraft, utilized for intelligence-gathering by the US Air Force’s special operations command, were deployed, along with P8 Poseidon submarine-hunting aircraft and KC-135 refueling planes near the tanker.
Additionally, an RAF RC-135W Rivet Joint surveillance plane was sighted flying over the tanker’s path on Tuesday.