Crew Paints Russian Flag on US-Pursued Tanker

The US Coast Guard seized the sanctioned tanker Bella 1 after a 10-day Atlantic pursuit. The crew painted a Russian flag on the vessel to claim Moscow's protection.

The operation to intercept the Bella 1 spanned a significant duration of 10 days. The pursuit took place across the Atlantic Ocean as the US Coast Guard sought to enforce sanctions.

During this time, the tanker was actively maneuvering to avoid capture. The length of the chase indicates the vessel's determination to evade US authorities.

The situation escalated when the crew of the Bella 1 took a drastic step to claim diplomatic immunity. They physically painted a Russian flag on the side of the tanker.

By doing so, the crew explicitly claimed Moscow's protection. This was an attempt to invoke Russian sovereignty to deter the US Coast Guard's seizure efforts.

Despite the crew's attempt to claim Russian protection, the US Coast Guard proceeded with the operation. The agency successfully seized the Bella 1.

Reports indicate that the vessel was empty at the time of the seizure. The tanker was linked to the Iranian oil trade, which was the basis for the sanctions and pursuit.

The incident involving the Bella 1 underscores the volatile nature of international sanctions enforcement. The invocation of the Russian flag introduces a layer of geopolitical complexity to what is otherwise a standard law enforcement action.

The vessel's connection to Iran further complicates the matter, involving multiple major powers in a single maritime incident. The successful seizure despite the flag painting demonstrates the US commitment to enforcing sanctions.