3 Indians Among Crew as US Seizes Russian Oil Tanker Marinera
Three Indian nationals were among the 28 crew members onboard the Russian-flagged oil tanker Marinera seized by the United States in the North Atlantic. US military and Coast Guard forces intercepted the vessel after tracking it from the Caribbean Sea. Officials said the tanker had alleged links to Venezuela, which remains under heavy US sanctions. The seizure has triggered diplomatic tension, with Russia strongly objecting to the operation.
Tanker Evaded Blockade Before Seizure
According to reports, the tanker operated earlier under the name Bella 1 and sailed under the Guyana flag. It later changed its name to Marinera and adopted the Russian flag while attempting to evade US maritime enforcement. The crew included 17 Ukrainian nationals, six Georgians, two Russians, and three Indians. US officials said the vessel slipped through a maritime blockade and ignored repeated Coast Guard orders to stop. Eventually, US forces boarded the tanker in international waters. Soon after, Russia’s transport ministry confirmed it had lost contact with the ship.
US Explains Operation, UK Offers Support
Meanwhile, US authorities confirmed the seizure of two sanctioned oil tankers linked to Venezuela. Along with Marinera, officials also seized the Panama-flagged tanker M Sophia. US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said both vessels had either docked in Venezuela or were en route there. She praised the Coast Guard for pursuing Bella 1 across rough seas, even as the vessel attempted to change its identity. Additionally, the United Kingdom confirmed it provided logistical and basing support after receiving a formal US request.
Russia Calls Seizure ‘Piracy’
Russia reacted sharply to the incident. Senior lawmaker Andrei Klishas described the seizure as an act of “outright piracy.” Moscow argued that the US violated international maritime law by boarding a civilian vessel in international waters. Russian officials also demanded humane treatment for all crew members, including the Indian nationals. The incident marks a rare escalation, as analysts note this appears to be the first US military seizure of a Russian-flagged vessel in recent memory. As global sanctions enforcement intensifies, the case could further strain already fragile geopolitical relations
