Background on the Vessel and Relevant Parties
The Russian state-owned channel RT reported early on Wednesday that US forces appeared to be attempting to board the Russian-linked oil tanker “Marinera,” associated with Venezuela. The US has been pursuing this tanker for over two weeks across the Atlantic following a chase.
Key Players Involved
- United States: The US government is pursuing the tanker as part of sanctions against Venezuela.
- Russia: Russia has defended the tanker, stating it operates under international maritime law and has requested Western countries respect its right to freedom of navigation.
- Venezuela: The country is under US sanctions, and the oil tanker in question was attempting to transport Venezuelan crude oil.
Incident Details and Developments
According to an unnamed US official, the United States attempted to seize the sanctioned tanker after a pursuit across the Atlantic. RT cited an anonymous source claiming that a US Coast Guard ship had been following the tanker and that there was an attempted seizure during a storm.
Russian state media quoted the Russian Foreign Ministry, asserting that the vessel, now flying the Russian flag, is operating in international waters and adhering to international maritime law. They have urged Western countries to respect the tanker’s right to freedom of navigation.
The attempted boarding occurred just hours after reports suggested Russia dispatched at least one submarine to escort the tanker, which was reportedly empty.
History of the Oil Tanker
- Initially known as the Bella 1, the tanker evaded a partial blockade off Venezuela’s coast and thwarted an attempted boarding by the US Coast Guard on December 21.
- The tanker was renamed at sea and began flying the Russian flag.
- As of Wednesday morning (GMT), the tanker was located in Iceland’s exclusive economic zone after traversing the Atlantic Ocean in international waters, according to Bloomberg’s maritime tracking data.
US Sanctions and Previous Seizures
Towards the end of December, before capturing President Nicolás Maduro in Caracas, the US announced the implementation of a naval blockade around Venezuela targeting sanctioned oil tankers. The US has already seized two tankers suspected of transporting sanctioned Venezuelan crude oil.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the incident about? The US attempted to seize a Russian-linked oil tanker, “Marinera,” associated with Venezuela, which has been evading sanctions and US attempts to intercept it.
- Who are the key players? The United States, Russia, and Venezuela are the main parties involved. The US is pursuing sanctions against Venezuela, while Russia defends the tanker’s right to navigate international waters.
- What is the history of the oil tanker? Originally named Bella 1, the tanker evaded a partial blockade off Venezuela’s coast and was renamed Marinera while flying the Russian flag. It is currently located in Iceland’s exclusive economic zone after traversing the Atlantic Ocean.
- What are the US sanctions and previous seizures? The US has implemented a naval blockade around Venezuela targeting sanctioned oil tankers. They have already seized two tankers suspected of transporting sanctioned Venezuelan crude oil.
