The United States government announced on January 7 the seizure of the tanker M/V Bella I, also identified as Marinera, for violations of U.S. sanctions.
The operation was carried out jointly by the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security, in coordination with the Department of Defense, based on a warrant issued by a U.S. federal court.
According to authorities, the vessel was tracked across the North Atlantic by the U.S. Coast Guard cutter USCGC Munro, which maintained surveillance until the boarding and seizure were executed. A video released by the Coast Guard shows the U.S. vessel escorting the tanker after the capture.
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U.S. European Command officially confirmed the detention of the Russian tanker in the Atlantic Ocean. According to the statement, Coast Guard tactical teams conducted the boarding under maritime law enforcement authorities, securing control of the vessel in a rigorously coordinated joint operation.
The United Kingdom provided operational support to the United States at Washington’s request to intercept the vessel, underscoring the multinational nature of the action. In a statement, U.S. authorities highlighted the integration between agencies and allies as a central element of the operation, emphasizing the commitment to upholding international law and maritime security.
On the Russian side, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia stated that Marinera had received temporary authorization in late December to sail under the Russian flag. Moscow also demanded guarantees of humane and dignified treatment for the crew throughout the detention and investigation process.
The seizure comes amid heightened maritime enforcement related to sanctions compliance, with direct impacts on energy routes and global logistics chains.
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Source and images: X @USCG | @DeptofWar | @DefenceHQ. This content was created with the assistance of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
