Overview
- The Justice and Homeland Security departments said the vessel was taken in the North Atlantic under a U.S. federal court warrant after tracking by USCGC Munro.
- The tanker Marinera, formerly Bella 1, was sailing under the Russian flag and was reportedly carrying crude linked to Venezuela en route to Russia.
- All 28 civilian crew members are in U.S. custody, including three Indians, 20 Ukrainians, six Georgians and two Russians.
- India’s Ministry of External Affairs said it is monitoring the situation and ascertaining details, while relatives in Himachal Pradesh report no official contact so far.
- An Indian seafarers’ association told families that Russia is following the case and has urged the U.S. to ensure humane treatment and prompt repatriation.