RT

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.

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Via https://www.rt.com/russia/630704-us-military-maritime-law/