In a significant maritime enforcement operation, United States military forces have intercepted and seized a Russian-registered oil tanker with connections to Venezuela in the North Atlantic. The vessel, identified as the M/V Bella 1 (now renamed Marinera), was captured pursuant to a federal court warrant for violations of US sanctions regimes.
The operation, coordinated between the US Department of Justice, Department of Homeland Security, and Department of Defense, culminated after an extensive pursuit that began in late December. According to US European Command, the USCGC Munro—a Legend-class National Security Cutter capable of long-range missions—tracked and ultimately seized the vessel after it attempted to evade capture.
Media reports indicate Russian military vessels were present in the area during the interception, adding geopolitical complexity to the operation. The tanker had been under US sanctions targeting Iran before its ownership changes and attempted voyage to Venezuela.
The vessel’s crew had recently attempted to establish Russian affiliation by painting a Russian flag on the ship’s hull and registering with the Russian Maritime Register of Shipping under the new name Marinera on December 31. This development occurred after the tanker aborted its Caribbean course toward Venezuela approximately two-and-a-half weeks prior when pursued by US Coast Guard assets.
This seizure represents the third such interception of oil tankers by US forces near Venezuelan waters, reflecting intensified enforcement of President Donald Trump’s recent order implementing a “full and total blockade” against sanctioned vessels attempting to enter or leave Venezuelan ports.