Atlantic Ocean – In a high-stakes maritime operation on Wednesday, U.S. forces seized a Russian-flagged oil tanker that had eluded authorities for more than two weeks while transporting Venezuelan crude. The vessel, now under U.S. Coast Guard control, had previously evaded interception efforts in the Caribbean and was shadowed by a Russian submarine during the pursuit.

The tanker, originally named Bella-1 and now registered under the Russian flag as the Marinera, was targeted as part of U.S. efforts to enforce sanctions on Venezuelan oil exports. Officials said the vessel had been operating in “dark mode,” with its transponder turned off, to conceal its location while transporting oil to China.

U.S. special forces initially helped secure the ship, but Coast Guard personnel now maintain control as it is escorted for final disposition. Defense officials stressed that there were no confrontations with nearby Russian military vessels, including a submarine, and the operation proceeded without incident.

The seizure comes amid heightened U.S. pressure on Venezuela’s oil industry, including recent raids in Caracas. U.S. authorities described the action as part of an ongoing effort to block illicit shipments of Venezuelan crude while ensuring international maritime security.

Russian authorities condemned the operation, with senior officials calling the interception an act of piracy, noting they had lost contact with the Marinera following U.S. boarding. The final destination of the vessel remains unclear, though it is expected to enter British territorial waters.

The operation underscores Washington’s commitment to enforcing sanctions, disrupting the shadow fleet of sanctioned tankers, and maintaining control over the movement of Venezuelan oil on the global market.

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