US Navy Seizes Russian-Flagged Tanker After Atlantic Chase

Two US Navy destroyers assisted American forces in capturing a Russian-flagged oil tanker following a weekslong pursuit across the Atlantic Ocean. The operation concluded on Wednesday when forces seized the vessel in international waters between the UK and Iceland.

The tanker, initially known as Bella 1, had evaded a US naval blockade near Venezuela and changed its identity multiple times during the chase. The interdiction highlights the scale of US military efforts to enforce sanctions against illicit oil transport. This event occurred alongside another seizure of a sanctioned tanker in the Caribbean, marking a significant escalation in the US pressure campaign against Venezuela.

The US Navy destroyers USS Bulkeley and USS Paul Ignatius played a key role in the operation to capture the tanker. Both ships are Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers. A defense official confirmed the ships "supported" the operation to seize the vessel, which had been on the run for weeks.

The chase began when the tanker evaded a US naval blockade of sanctioned vessels near Venezuela. Originally sailing under the flag of Guyana, the ship fled north into the Atlantic. During its escape, the vessel reflagged as a Russian vessel and changed its name to the Marinera. The crew even painted the Russian tricolor on the hull to disguise its identity.

The Coast Guard pursued the tanker for weeks. Flight-tracking data indicated that various aircraft were airborne shortly before or during the final operation. The UK government also provided support, supplying a tanker and Royal Air Force surveillance aircraft. The chase ended when American forces boarded and seized the vessel.

The seizure was authorized by a judicial order. Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, stated that the ship's crew is "subject to prosecution for any applicable violation of federal law." She added that they would be brought to the United States for prosecution if necessary.

Russia's foreign ministry condemned the seizure in response. The ministry stated that threats to prosecute the tanker's crew "are entirely unacceptable," according to reports from the state-owned news agency Tass.

Separately, the US military announced the seizure of another sanctioned tanker, M/T Sophia, near the Caribbean Sea on the same day. The US government described the vessel as "conducting illicit activities."

The back-to-back interdictions are part of a larger US strategy to enforce a naval blockade against sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuela. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth emphasized the US stance following the operations.

"The United States continues to enforce the blockade against all dark fleet vessels illegally transporting Venezuelan oil to finance illicit activity, stealing from the Venezuelan people," Hegseth said. "Only legitimate and lawful energy commerce — as determined by the US — will be permitted."

The blockade is a component of a pressure campaign targeting Venezuela's former president, Nicolás Maduro. The US has accused Maduro of facilitating drug trafficking and other criminal activities. This campaign has included a massive US military buildup in the Caribbean that began in August. Over recent months, American forces have conducted dozens of airstrikes on alleged drug boats.

Tensions between President Donald Trump and Maduro escalated recently with a US operation to capture Maduro in Caracas. Trump has also threatened further action against other countries in the region, including Colombia, Cuba, and Mexico.