Beyond Borders, Beyond Law? Why The US Seized A Russian Tanker In International Waters | World News

New Delhi: The story of the Russian-flagged Marinera tanker resembles an intense thriller that unfolds over weeks of pursuit, diplomatic tension and international concerns. Each new hour brings a new development and only now is the full picture emerging.

It all started when a ship evaded the US Coast Guard for weeks. During the chase, he changed his registration and hung a Russian flag on his body. Moscow soon acknowledged the situation: “We are monitoring the situation around our ship.”

The Russian Ministry of Transport later announced that the tanker was only given temporary permission to sail under the Russian flag. The State Department went further, requesting that the United States “not impede the return of Russians from the naval ship to the homeland and ensure dignified and humane treatment,” confirming that there were Russian citizens on board.

Despite the presence of Russian citizens throughout the voyage, the Marinera only officially appeared in Russia’s shipping registry on January 1.

This came as Moscow denied operating a “shadow fleet”. Many in the global shipping world question this claim. The incident occurred against a backdrop of sensitive US-Russian contacts over Ukraine, adding another layer of sensitivity.

U.S. Attorney Vows Criminal Charges Against Crew

U.S. Attorney Pam Bondi reported on X that the Marinera crew was under “full investigation” for their failure to comply with Coast Guard orders.

“Criminal investigations will be initiated against all at-fault actors. The Department of Justice is monitoring several other vessels for similar enforcement. Anyone on any vessel who fails to comply with the instructions of the Coast Guard or other federal authorities will be investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” he said.

In the early hours of Wednesday, January 7, the USA seized Marinera, formerly known as Bella 1, and a stateless ship named Sophia.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt claimed that the Marinera was carrying “sanctioned oil” and that a “judicial seizure order” had been imposed on the ship and its crew.

“This was a Venezuelan shadow fleet ship carrying sanctioned oil, and the United States under this president will not tolerate that,” he said.

Legal experts say the United States may not have the legal right to act against other countries in international waters, but the Trump administration is taking action anyway.

@TheJusticeDept & @DHSgovin coordination with @DeptofWar announced that it was seized today
M/V Bella 1 for violation of US sanctions. The ship was seized in the North Atlantic pursuant to an arrest warrant issued by a US federal court after being pursued by USCGC Munro. pic.twitter.com/bm5KcCK30X— US European Command (@US_EUCOM) January 7, 2026

“The crew will now be subject to prosecution for any violations of federal law and, if necessary, they will be brought to the United States for such prosecution,” he added.

Today, the United States issued a seizure order for the crude oil tanker BELLA 1, which is responsible for transporting sanctioned oil from Venezuela and Iran. BELLA 1 was previously designated by OFAC for its role in a sanctions evasion network responsible for supporting foreign… — Attorney General Pamela Bondi (@AGPamBondi) January 7, 2026

UK Supports US Watch

The UK Ministry of Defense confirmed it was providing “pre-planned operational support, including basing” for the US operation. A Royal Navy ship supported the mission, while the Royal Air Force also contributed aerial surveillance.

“This action formed part of global efforts to evade sanctions,” Defense Secretary John Healey said.

He described the ship as having a “bad track record” with ties to Russian and Iranian sanctions evasion networks.

Russia condemns US move

The Russian Foreign Ministry criticized the United States for landing Marinera and insisted that the crew be treated humanely.

“US forces should not prevent the rapid return of Russians from the Marinera,” the ministry said via TASS (Russia’s state-owned news agency), reiterating Moscow’s earlier warnings that seizing the ship violated international law.

What is ‘Dark Fleet’?

The term “dark fleet” describes tankers that hide their identity or movements to avoid sanctions. These ships often disable transponders, change flags or spoof locations to reach buyers, especially in Asia.

This shadow fleet includes ships from Russia, Iran and Venezuela and allows sanctioned oil to continue flowing despite Western restrictions.

Maritime Law Violations?

Russia’s Transport Ministry said contact with the Marinera was lost after US forces boarded the ship in the open Atlantic.

“Under the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, freedom of navigation on the high seas applies and no state has the right to use force against ships duly registered in the jurisdiction of other states,” the ministry said.

Tracking data showed Marinera approached Iceland’s exclusive economic zone before he was captured. Although no conflict occurred, Russian naval forces were reported to be nearby.

Blockade ‘Around the World’

US European Command confirmed the seizure, citing “violation of US sanctions”. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth wrote about X: “The blockade of sanctioned and illegal Venezuelan oil is FULLY EFFECTIVE everywhere in the world.”

The Marinera had previously evaded a US naval “blockade” in the Caribbean and crossed the Atlantic, rejecting Coast Guard attempts to board it. US officials said the tanker was part of a “shadow fleet” carrying oil to Venezuela, Russia and Iran.

RT reported that US forces boarded the Marinera by helicopter and showed footage of planes flying near the ship.

USA Seizes Second Ship

In another operation, the United States seized the Panama-flagged supertanker M Sophia in international waters near the Caribbean. US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed this.

Today, in two pre-dawn operations, the Coast Guard conducted a meticulously coordinated boarding of two “ghost fleet” tanker ships back to back, one in the North Atlantic Sea and the other in international waters near the Caribbean. Both ships—Motor Tanker Bella I and Motor… pic.twitter.com/EZlHEtcufX— Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) January 7, 2026

“This ship and the Marinera were either last docked in Venezuela or en route to it,” he said, according to Reuters.