US Seizes Russia-Linked Oil Tanker, 3 Indian Nationals Reportedly Among Crew

The United States has confirmed the seizure of a Russian-flagged oil tanker in the North Atlantic, with 28 crew members on board, including three Indian nationals. The ship, previously known as Bella 1 and later renamed Marinera, is linked by US authorities to Venezuela sanctions violations. A second vessel, the Panama-flagged M Sophia, was also detained in a related operation.

According to Russia Today, Bella 1 had been chartered by a private trader and was sailing under the flag of Guyana before the detention. The vessel later flew the Russian flag and adopted the name Marinera while attempting to avoid US scrutiny. The ship was tracked by US forces from the Caribbean Sea before being intercepted in the North Atlantic.

US seized Russian-flagged oil tanker Bella 1 crew details and flag changes

Russia's Transport Ministry, cited by RT, stated that the Marinera had 28 crew members when it was taken. The group included six citizens of Georgia, 17 from Ukraine, three from India, and two Russian nationals. The ministry reported it then lost all contact with the tanker once US naval units boarded the vessel during the seizure.

Details from RT also described footage showing a helicopter hovering close to the Marinera. The outlet said the images suggested US personnel were trying to board the US-sanctioned tanker at sea. The operation followed weeks of pursuit after the ship allegedly passed through a US maritime "blockade" placed on tankers tied to Venezuela.

US seized Russian-flagged oil tanker Bella 1 and related sanctions operations

Reuters, quoting two unnamed US officials, reported that the interception involved both the US Coast Guard and US military forces. The news agency noted this appeared to be the first instance in recent years where US forces had seized a Russian-flagged vessel. The action took place after the tanker reportedly resisted earlier boarding attempts by the Coast Guard.

The same Reuters report placed the seizure shortly after a separate US Special Forces mission in Caracas. That earlier operation, carried out at night, led to the "capture" of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro last Saturday. The tanker seizures therefore came amid already heightened tensions linked to Venezuela and international sanctions enforcement.

The US Southern Command confirmed that both seized tankers were under sanctions linked to Venezuela. It identified Bella 1, renamed Marinera, as a Russian-flagged merchant vessel that had tried to flee a US blockade off Venezuela the previous month. M Sophia, described as Panama-flagged, was labelled a 'stateless, sanctioned dark fleet motor tanker'.

US seized Russian-flagged oil tanker Bella 1 statements from Washington and allies

Then, US Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem posted details about the operation on social media, describing the two ships as linked to Venezuela. Noem wrote that the Coast Guard had intercepted both tankers after tracking their routes. Noem said the vessels had attempted to operate as covert “ghost fleet” ships to avoid sanctions enforcement.

Noem stated that the US Coast Guard had carried out a pair of detailed and planned boardings. According to the post, “the Coast Guard 'conducted back-to-back, meticulously coordinated boarding of two "ghost fleet" tanker ships'.” Noem added that both tankers were either coming from Venezuelan ports or heading there when they were stopped.

Noem wrote, "Both vessels —the Motor Tanker Bella I and the Motor Tanker Sophia—were either last docked in Venezuela or en route to it," and highlighted the long chase at sea. Noem added, "One of these tankers, Motor Tanker Bella I, has been trying to evade the Coast Guard for weeks, even changing its flag and painting a new name on the hull while being pursued, in a desperate and failed attempt to escape justice. The heroic crew of the USCGC Munro pursued this vessel across the high seas and through treacherous storms— keeping diligent watch, and protecting our country with the determination and patriotism that make Americans proud. These brave men and women deserve our nation's thanks for their selfless devotion to duty," describing the crew’s efforts.

The United Kingdom later confirmed it had supported the US operation against Bella 1 in the North Atlantic. In a statement, the UK Defence Ministry said, "UK Armed Forces provided pre-planned operational support, including basing, to US military assets interdicting the Bella 1 in the UK-Iceland-Greenland gap following a US request for assistance," outlining the nature of British involvement.

US seized Russian-flagged oil tanker Bella 1 reactions from Russia and next steps

A senior Russian lawmaker, Andrei Klishas from the ruling United Russia party, condemned the US move. Quoted by the TASS news agency, Klishas described the seizure as an act of outright piracy. Russian officials have not announced any immediate countermeasures but are continuing to seek information about the vessel’s status.

Russia's Transport Ministry has reported no further direct contact with the Marinera since US forces boarded the tanker. With crew from several countries, including India, Ukraine and Georgia, the case is drawing diplomatic attention. Governments are expected to focus on crew welfare, legal processes, and the wider impact on shipping linked to Venezuela sanctions.