Jan 7, 2026, 2:08 p.mJan 7, 2026, 2:13 p.m
An oil tanker that allegedly fled US inspection is causing tensions between Russia and the US in the North Atlantic. The cargo ship “The Marinera” is currently sailing under the Russian flag between Iceland and Scotland.
The graphic shows the route of Tankers over the last 14 days. The last data is from Wednesday morning at 10:00 a.m.Image: shipinfo.net
Previously, it was said to have suddenly changed course – still under a different name on its way to Venezuela – in order to avoid being searched by the US Coast Guard, as the Wall Street Journal and the broadcaster CBS reported.
According to reports, Russia sent a submarine and other ships to protect the tanker. The PA news agency reported that a British reconnaissance aircraft was said to have been traveling along the ship’s route.
Now Reuters reports that the US is trying to seize the tanker. The news agency writes that the operation is being carried out by the US Coast Guard and the US military.
screenshot: x
Neither the White House nor the British government responded specifically to questions. “The US is the UK’s most important defense and security partner,” said a spokesman for British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Russia views the situation with concern
Before the military operation in Venezuela with the capture of President Nicolás Maduro, US President Donald Trump had ordered a naval blockade of sanctioned oil tankers heading towards Venezuela or leaving a port in the resource-rich country.
According to reports, “The Marinera” was previously known as “Bella 1” to have transported oil from Venezuela and Iran. Russia is accused by Western allies of using old tankers to evade sanctions.
According to the Russian state news agency Tass, the Foreign Ministry in Moscow said that Russia viewed the extraordinary situation with concern.
The ship is currently sailing the waters of the North Atlantic under the flag of the Russian Federation in accordance with the norms of international maritime law.
For unknown reasons, the US military and NATO did not pay adequate increased attention to his civilian status, it was said. A US Coast Guard ship has been following the tanker for several days, even though it is approximately 4,000 kilometers from the US coast.
According to the Wall Street Journal, the tanker originally wanted to dock in Venezuela and is currently traveling without cargo.
After changing course, the US Coast Guard is said to have followed the ship – only then did the crew allegedly paint the Russian flag on the side of the ship and change the registration.
The US Southern Command wrote on Platform X on Tuesday to oppose sanctioned ships and actors. (sda/dpa)