RT.com
07 Jan 2026, 21:30 GMT+10
A Russian-flagged oil tanker was seized in the North Atlantic, the Russian Transport Ministry has confirmed
The Russian Transport Ministry has confirmed that the oil tanker 'Marinera' has been captured by the US military.
Earlier on Wednesday, the US European Command announced having taken possession of the ship, previously named the 'Bella 1', for alleged "violation of US sanctions."
The tanker was boarded by US military personnel "in the high seas outside the territorial waters of any state," and that "contact with the vessel was lost," the Russian Transport Ministry has said.
"On December 24, 2025, the Marinera received a temporary permit to fly the Russian flag, issued in accordance with Russian and international law," the ministry stated, adding that the attack on the vessel came in violation of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, which ensures freedom of navigation in international waters.
The Russian Foreign Ministry said it has been "closely monitoring" the situation around the tanker. Russian nationals are believed to be among the crew of the vessel, the ministry noted, urging the US to ensure "humane and dignified treatment" of the captured sailors and to "allow them to return home as quickly as possible."
The tanker was first targeted by the US late last year after reportedly trying to approach Venezuela. At the time, the US Coast Guard attempted to board it, yet the crew refused to let anyone on board and turned around and headed for the Atlantic instead. During the pursuit, the vessel changed its name and switched to the Russian flag.
Get a daily dose of Milwaukee Sun news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Milwaukee Sun.
More InformationCARACAS, Venezuela: A little over a day after U.S. forces stormed the capital and whisked President Nicolás Maduro and his wife from...
ATHENS, Greece: Airport operations across Greece came to a virtual standstill for several hours following the collapse of radio frequencies...
WASHINGTON, D.C.: Washington has delivered a blunt message to U.S. oil companies weighing a return to Venezuela: any chance of recovering...
NEW DELHI, India: Canadian aviation authorities have asked Air India to investigate an incident in which a pilot was removed from a...
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: Seven people, including three journalists, two YouTubers, and two retired army officers, were sentenced to life...
CRANS-MONTANA, Switzerland: Sparkling candles placed in Champagne bottles ignited the fatal fire at a Swiss ski resort that killed...
WASHINGTON, D.C.: U.S. President Donald Trump's ability to unilaterally impose far-reaching tariffs has given rise to skepticism among...
NEW YORK CITY, New York: Millions of Americans are beginning 2026 facing sharply higher health insurance bills after enhanced Affordable...
(Photo credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images) Brandon Williams connected on the go-ahead 3-pointer in the final minute and scored 14...
(Photo credit: Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images) Nick Boyd scored 20 points and Nolan...
(Photo credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images) Golden State Warriors fans will get a look at the prize atop their trade-deadline wish list...
(Photo credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images) Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray is expected to be sidelined three-to-four weeks...
