The United States government announced on January 7 the seizure of the oil tanker M/V Bella I, also identified as Marinera, for violations of US 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 an order issued by a US federal court.
According to authorities, the vessel was tracked throughout the North Atlantic by the cutter USCGC Munroof the United States Coast Guard, which maintained monitoring until the boarding and seizure were carried out. A video released by the Coast Guard shows the US ship escorting the tanker after the capture.
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The US Armed Forces European Command officially confirmed the detention of the Russian tanker in the Atlantic Ocean. According to the statement, Coast Guard tactical teams carried out the boarding based on maritime law enforcement authorities, ensuring control of the vessel in a rigorously coordinated joint operation.
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The United Kingdom provided operational support to the United States at the request of Washington for the interception of the ship, reinforcing the multinational nature of the action. In a statement, US authorities highlighted the integration between agencies and allies as a central element of the operation, underlining the commitment to the defense of international law and maritime security.
On the Russian side, the Russian Foreign Ministry He stated that the Marinera had received, at the end of December, temporary authorization 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 occurs in a context of intensification of maritime inspection related to compliance with sanctions, with direct impact on energy routes and global logistics chains.
Source and images: X @USCG | @DeptofWar | @DefenceHQ. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
