Overview
- U.S. European Command said the Marinera, formerly the Bella‑1, was taken in the North Atlantic between Iceland and the U.K. under a U.S. court seizure warrant after a two‑week pursuit tracked by USCGC Munro.
- The tanker evaded a December boarding near Venezuela, reflagged to Russia, changed its name, and had a Russian flag painted on its hull while being entered on a Russian registry.
- Russia formally protested the action as a breach of maritime law and reported naval assets in the area, though officials indicated there were no signs of a direct confrontation during the boarding.
- The U.K. Ministry of Defence said British forces provided pre‑planned support, including RAF surveillance and a Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessel, to assist the U.S. operation.
- U.S. Southern Command separately announced the Coast Guard intercepted the sanctioned, stateless M/T Sophia in the Caribbean and is escorting it to the United States for final disposition.