US seizes Russian-flagged oil tanker in North Sea after a two-week pursuit

The US military’s European Command confirmed the operation in a post on X, stating that the tanker was seized by the Justice Department, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Department of Defense for violating US sanctions.

“This seizure supports @POTUS Proclamation targeting sanctioned vessels that threaten the security and stability of the Western Hemisphere,” the statement said, adding that the operation reflected a “whole-of-government approach” to enforcing sanctions.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reshared the post, declaring that “the blockade of sanctioned and illicit Venezuelan oil remains in FULL EFFECT — anywhere in the world.”

According to The New York Times, no Russian naval vessels were present when the US Coast Guard boarded the ship, averting a potential confrontation between American and Russian forces.

The tanker, originally named Bella I, was sanctioned by the US in 2024. It was later renamed Marinera and had been sailing from Iran to Venezuela.

Reports say the vessel attempted to evade a US blockade of sanction-hit tankers near Venezuelan waters before reversing course into the Atlantic. On the day of the seizure, it abruptly altered course and reduced speed.

In the days prior, the ship was under intense surveillance, including multiple reconnaissance flights from US bases in Iceland, with British assets also involved.

This was not the first attempt to intercept the tanker. In December, its crew reportedly resisted a US boarding attempt near Venezuela. Soon after, a Russian flag was painted on the hull, and the vessel was added to Russia’s shipping registry. Moscow lodged a formal diplomatic protest, demanding that Washington stop pursuing the ship.

Russian state broadcaster RT released grainy images showing a helicopter approaching the tanker, while Reuters, citing US officials, reported that American forces were attempting to board it.

In a related operation, the US Coast Guard also intercepted another Venezuela-linked tanker in international waters near the Caribbean. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the Coast Guard carried out “back-to-back, meticulously coordinated boardings” of two so-called “ghost fleet” tankers — Bella I and Sophia — either bound for or last docked in Venezuela.

“The world’s criminals are on notice. You can run, but you can’t hide,” Noem said, adding that the US would continue disrupting funding linked to narco-terrorism wherever it operates.