Overview
- Russia sent a formal diplomatic request to the U.S. on New Year’s Eve asking that the pursuit stop, according to reports citing people familiar with the message.
- The Russian Maritime Register now lists the former Bella 1 as Marinera under the Russian flag with Sochi as port of registry.
- U.S. officials say the Coast Guard suspended a planned seizure after the crew painted a Russian flag on the hull, while maintaining the ship was stateless at first approach.
- Any forced boarding would require a Maritime Special Response Team and White House authorization, which U.S. officials say they have been awaiting.
- The tanker’s transponder has been off since December 17, it is not believed to be carrying cargo, and it altered course northwest as U.S. tracking continues under a U.S. seizure warrant tied to Iran oil sanctions.