Russia has reportedly deployed naval forces including a submarine to escort an oil tanker being pursued by US forces as it navigates the North Atlantic.
The vessel, named the Marinera, is under scrutiny by the US for allegedly violating sanctions by transporting Iranian oil, as per a report in the Wall Street Journal.
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Formerly known as Bella 1 and previously flagged under Guyana, the tanker is now registered under the Russian Federation.
The US is actively pursuing the Marinera due to its suspected sanctions breach. The US Coast Guard attempted to intercept the vessel last month in the Caribbean when it was en route to Venezuela.
Although reported to be empty, the tanker has historically transported Venezuelan crude oil.
Following the US intervention, the Marinera altered its course towards Europe. This change coincided with the deployment of approximately ten US military transport aircraft and helicopters.
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By GlobalDataTwo anonymous US officials informed CBS News that there are ongoing plans to board the ship, with a preference for seizing rather than sinking it.
The Russian Foreign Ministry has expressed its concerns regarding what it describes as “disproportionate attention” from US and Nato forces towards the vessel. Russia claims that the tanker is operating in compliance with international maritime law.
US President Donald Trump recently announced measures aimed at blocking sanctioned tankers associated with Venezuela, describing such actions as necessary enforcement of economic measures. Venezuela reportedly moved to reduce its oil production in the wake of export embargo pressures from the US.
The situation comes shortly after last week’s US-led operation in Caracas to capture Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on charges of weapon and drug offences.
Meanwhile, BBC Verify has examined footage released by Russia Today that allegedly shows a ship resembling a US Coast Guard Legend-class cutter shadowing the Marinera. According to AIS data from ship-tracking platform Marine Traffic, the tanker’s latest recorded location was around 300km south of Iceland.
