The United States Navy is engaged in a high-stakes pursuit of more than a dozen sanctioned oil tankers, following a dramatic commando-style seizure of a Russian-flagged vessel in the Atlantic Ocean. The operation, which involved British military support, marks a significant escalation in Washington's pressure campaign against Venezuela.
A Daring Atlantic Raid and a Fleet on the Run
This week, US forces confirmed the capture of the tanker Marinera after a pursuit lasting over two weeks across the Atlantic. The vessel, originally named the Bella-1 and linked to Venezuelan oil, was seized approximately 124 miles south of the Icelandic coast. Dramatic imagery circulated in Russian media appears to show an American MH-6 Little Bird helicopter operating near the ship prior to its capture.
The UK Ministry of Defence acknowledged providing "pre-planned operational support, including basing, to US military assets" for the operation. In a pointed move, the seizure occurred within the vicinity of Russian military personnel, adding a layer of geopolitical tension.
Evasion Tactics and a Wider 'Blockade'
The Marinera's capture is part of a broader US effort to enforce sanctions. Last month, former President Donald Trump announced a maritime 'blockade' targeting vessels entering or leaving Venezuelan waters, a policy condemned by Caracas as theft. The US is now actively trying to intercept a cooperative of up to 16 tankers attempting to depart.
These ships have employed various tactics to avoid US boarding parties:
- At least one tanker painted a Russian flag on its hull and changed its name to the Marinera, registering itself in an official Russian ship database.
- Three other vessels have registered as Russian.
- Several are reportedly providing false location data.
Following the Marinera's seizure, ship tracking data indicated it made an abrupt turn and began heading towards Britain. The US Coast Guard had previously attempted to board the same ship in the Caribbean armed with a seizure warrant, alleging sanctions breaches and links to Iranian oil.
Geopolitical Fallout and Ongoing Manhunt
The raid represents a clear show of strength and follows other recent US actions, including the capture of ousted Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. Russia's foreign ministry has since appealed to Washington, urging "humane and dignified treatment" for Russian citizens aboard the Marinera and warning against hindering their return.
As of this week, the disposition of the remaining tankers in the group is fragmented:
- At least four were tracked heading east across the Atlantic.
- Another five sailed through the Caribbean.
- One was located off the coast of Colombia.
- Five vessels remain unlocated.
The operation underscores the complex, global reach of sanctions enforcement and the lengths to which targeted vessels will go to evade capture. The Daily Mail has contacted the Pentagon and US Southern Command for further comment on the ongoing naval hunt.
