US officials have indicated plans to intercept a Russian-flagged oil tanker currently in transit across the Atlantic Ocean towards Europe. The vessel, identified as the Marinera, is believed to be located between Scotland and Iceland. This potential action follows a previous order by President Donald Trump targeting sanctioned oil tankers.
Proposed Interception Details
Two US officials have reportedly informed CBS News that plans are underway to interdict the Russian-flagged oil tanker. The Marinera, which has historically transported Venezuelan crude oil, is currently on a trajectory towards Europe. US officials have reportedly expressed a preference for seizing the vessel rather than sinking it. The vessel's current position between Scotland and Iceland reportedly presents navigational and weather-related challenges for a boarding operation.
Vessel's Background and Sanctions Context
The tanker was previously known as Bella 1. Last month, the US Coast Guard attempted to board the Bella 1 in the Caribbean Sea. At that time, the vessel was suspected of proceeding toward Venezuela, and a warrant had been secured for its seizure on grounds of alleged violations of US sanctions related to the shipment of Iranian oil. Following this incident, the ship reportedly altered its course, changed its name to Marinera, and reflagged from Guyanan to Russian registry.
This potential action occurs within the context of an order issued last month by President Donald Trump to implement a "blockade" targeting sanctioned oil tankers moving to and from Venezuela. The Venezuelan government publicly described this measure as "theft."
Precedent and Related Military Activities
A precedent for such an operation occurred last month when US Marines and special operations forces, collaborating with the US Coast Guard, seized "The Skipper," a crude oil tanker flagged out of Guyana, after it departed a Venezuelan port.
Coinciding with the Marinera's current trajectory towards Europe, approximately ten US military transport aircraft and associated helicopters have arrived in the United Kingdom. Should a US military operation originate from the UK, Washington would typically be expected to inform its ally. The UK Ministry of Defence has declined to comment on the military activities of other nations.
International Responses
Russia has issued a statement indicating it is "monitoring with concern" the situation surrounding the vessel.