Archive · 9 Jan 2026
US Seizes Russian-Flagged Oil Tanker Marinera
The United States recently seized a big oil tanker called Marinera, which used to be named Bella 1.
This tanker was flying a Russian flag and was caught in the North Atlantic, near Iceland and Scotland.
The US and UK worked together to capture it.
The tanker has a history of changing names and flags to avoid being caught.
It was accused of carrying oil from Iran that was not supposed to be traded, and this oil was linked to a group called Hezbollah.
The tanker was empty when it was seized.
Russia gave the tanker permission to fly its flag just before Christmas.
Some Russian lawmakers are upset and have suggested strong actions against the US for this seizure.
The crew of the tanker includes people from India, Ukraine, Georgia, and Russia.
The US is also planning to take control of up to 50 million barrels of Venezuelan crude oil, which has caused tensions with Venezuela, China, and Russia.
The US seized the Russian-flagged oil tanker Marinera in the North Atlantic with UK support.
The tanker has a history of changing names and flags, including Yannis, Xiao Zhu Shan, and Seaways Mulan, to evade capture.
It was accused of transporting black-market Iranian oil for Hezbollah-linked companies and was placed on the US sanctions list in 2024.
The tanker was empty when seized and had previously evaded capture by changing its registration to Russia.
Russian lawmaker Alexei Zhuravlev warned of potential military retaliation against the US for the seizure.
- Who
- US Coast Guard, UK (RAF and Royal Navy), Russian-flagged oil tanker Marinera (formerly Bella 1), Venezuelan oil exports, Hezbollah-linked companies, Crew members (3 Indian, 17 Ukrainian, 6 Georgian, 2 Russian)
- What
- Seizure of the Marinera tanker in the North Atlantic and US plans to control Venezuelan oil
- When
- Wednesday, January 7, 2026
- Where
- North Atlantic, between Iceland and Scotland; Venezuela
- Why
- Accusations of transporting black-market Iranian oil for Hezbollah-linked companies and evading US sanctions; US aims to control Venezuelan oil flows
US and UK
Russia
Legality of Seizure
US and UK
The US and UK justify the seizure based on accusations of transporting black-market Iranian oil for Hezbollah-linked companies and evading US sanctions.
Russia
Russia argues that the seizure violates international maritime law and freedom of navigation, as the tanker was flying the Russian flag and was in international waters.
Sanctions and Jurisdiction
US and UK
The US claims the tanker was involved in illegal activities and was subject to US sanctions.
Russia
Russia rejects the US sanctions as unfounded and argues that the US has no jurisdiction over a vessel flying the Russian flag in international waters.
Treatment of Crew
US and UK
The US has not explicitly stated its plans for the crew but has seized the vessel.
Russia
Russia demands humane and dignified treatment of the crew, including their prompt return to their homeland.
- Tanker Name
- Marinera (formerly Bella 1)
- Seizure Location
- North Atlantic, between Iceland and Scotland
- Seizure Date
- Wednesday, January 7, 2026
- Tanker Size
- 333 meters long, 60 meters wide
- Sanctions Issued By
- US Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC)
- Accusations
- Transporting black-market Iranian oil for Hezbollah-linked companies
- US Support
- US Coast Guard, RAF surveillance aircraft, Royal Navy support ship RFA Tideforce
- Russian Response
- Temporary permit issued on Christmas Eve 2025
- Crew Nationalities
- 3 Indian, 17 Ukrainian, 6 Georgian, 2 Russian
- Russian Lawmaker's Statement
- Andrei Klishas called the US action 'blatant piracy'
Sources
All You Need To Know About Marinera, Oil Tanker Seized By US
'Stop US with a click on the nose': Russian MP urge Putin to attack American coast guard boats
US Seizes Russian-Flagged Tanker Tied To Venezuela As Trump Widens Oil Push
US unveils strategy on Venezuelan oil, spurring rush for access
Inside Russia's Shadow Fleet: How Sanctions-Evading Tankers Operate
Video: US Seizes Two Russian-Flagged Tankers in a Dramatic 2-Week Chase
Russia calls seizure of its tanker is piracy of the 21st century
UK provides ‘enabling support’ to Trump’s seizure of Russian oil tanker
US Forces Seize Venezuela-Linked Ship In 'Call Of Duty' Style Night Raid
Russian lawmaker warns US of nuclear threat after seizure of Venezuela-linked oil tanker
3 Indians Among Crew Of Venezuela-Linked Oil Tanker 'Marinera' Seized By USA: Report
'Only way to stop US...': Russian MP issues nuclear threat
Three Indians among crew members of Russian-flagged oil tanker seized by US
Drone Attack Hits Russia-Bound Oil Tanker In Black Sea, Crew Seeks Turkish Assistance
3 Indian nationals among 28-member crew on Russia-flagged oil tanker seized by the US: Report
Russia urges US to comply international shipping laws, says America was informed about tanker status
Three Indians onboard the Russian-flagged oil tanker seized by US military: Report
3 Indian nationals among crew in Russian-flagged oil tanker linked to Venezuela seized by US: Reports
Another sanctioned Russian oil tanker spotted sailing in English Channel under false name, day after UK helped US seize Marinera
Three Indians among crew of Russian oil tanker seized by the US in Atlantic
Russia warns of retaliation after US seizes Russian flagged tanker in international waters
3 Indians among crew on board Russian tanker seized by US
Indian Nationals Among 28 Crew Members On Russia-Flagged Oil Tanker Seized By US: Report
Three Ships Carrying Oil From Venezuela Head To US Amid Storage Capacity Concerns
'Three Indians on board': Russian tanker seizure sparks US Russia row; crew details out
3 Indians among crew on board Russian tanker seized by US
Russia calls US seizure of oil tanker as 'neo-colonialist'
Indian nationals among crew of Russian tanker seized by US
3 Indians Among Crew On Board Russian Oil Tanker Seized By US
Marinera incident: Russia condemns US seizure of oil tanker, warns of escalating tensions
Panama says it canceled flag of US-seized oil tanker a year ago
A shadow fleet smuggles illicit oil across the high seas. This is how it works.
'Unlawful Action': Russia Calls On US To Cease Seizure Of Oil Tanker Marinera
3 Indians Among Crew On Board Russian Tanker Seized By US
Russia tells US to cease unlawful actions in high seas
This Video Doesn’t Show US Seizing the Russian-Flagged Oil Tanker ‘Marinera'
Did Trump call Putin after US seized oil tanker?
US seizure of oil tankers: The shadow fleet that transports sanctioned oil, and how it operates