In an intense operation on Wednesday, the U.S Navy seized the Russian shadow fleet oil tanker Marinera, earlier known as Bella-1, in the waters between Iceland and the British Isles.
This ended the two-week-long vessel chase, which led to heightening tensions between the two countries over Venezuelan oil exports, sanctioned by the U.S.
The U.S Coast Guard was supported by the cutter USCGC Munro and also by helicopters.
U.S forces boarded the vessel as it violated sanctions by engaging in illicit activities like shipping Iranian and Venezuelan oil.
It all began on December 20, 2025, when USCGC Munro tried to intercept the then Panama-flagged Bella-1 in the Carribean Sea as part of President Trump’s crackdown on the Maduro government’s shadow fleet evading sanctions.
The ship’s crew resisted the boarding attempt and tried to sail towards the Atlantic.
By December 24, 2025, the ship had changed its name to Marinera and flag to Russia, showing a fresh coat of paint after getting a temporary registration
Content Original Link:
" target="_blank">
