The United States Coast Guard, in coordination with U.S. military forces, has successfully seized the Russian-flagged oil tanker Marinera in the North Atlantic, following a weeks-long pursuit across international waters.
The operation underscores the U.S. commitment to enforcing sanctions against illicit Venezuelan oil exports and disrupting the operations of shadow fleets that evade international restrictions.
The Marinera, formerly known as the Bella-1, was initially targeted last month when it rebuffed U.S. Coast Guard efforts to board it near Venezuela, slipping through a maritime blockade of sanctioned vessels in the Caribbean.
The vessel, which had been sanctioned by the U.S. in 2024 for smuggling Iranian oil linked to Hezbollah, subsequently changed its name and registered under the Russian flag on December 24, 2025, in an apparent attempt to claim protection under international law.
Despite being shadowed by Russian naval assets, including a submarine, the seizure was executed without confrontation, near Iceland's exclusive economic zone.
This action comes amid heightened U.S. pressure on Venezuela following the recent capture of former President Nicolás Maduro, as part of broader efforts to secure access to Venezuelan oil resources and divert supplies away from adversaries like China.
In a parallel operation, U.S. forces also seized the Panama-flagged supertanker M Sophia in Latin American waters, which had departed Venezuelan ports in early January carrying oil in "dark mode" with its transponder deactivated.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem highlighted the coordinated effort, stating: "The US Coast Guard conducted back-to-back boarding of two 'ghost fleet' ships. These meticulously coordinated operations exemplify the USCG's unwavering commitment to maritime security and the rule of law."
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reinforced the message on social media: "The blockade of sanctioned and illicit Venezuelan oil remains in FULL EFFECT — anywhere in the world."
The Russian government has protested the seizure, with the Transport Ministry asserting that it violates the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, emphasizing freedom of navigation in international waters and condemning the use of force against properly registered vessels.
The Russian Foreign Ministry expressed concern over the "disproportionate attention" given to the vessel, urging respect for international maritime norms. U.S. officials maintain that the operation was conducted in full compliance with international law and pursuant to a federal court warrant.
The seized vessels are being escorted to U.S. ports for further disposition, marking a significant escalation in the enforcement of sanctions against shadow fleets operated by Russia, Iran, and Venezuela. This operation demonstrates the Trump administration's resolve to protect U.S. national security interests and promote stability in the Western Hemisphere.