Background on the Oil Tanker and Its Journey
The United States attempted to seize a dilapidated and empty oil tanker, previously known as Bella 1, which has been evading interception since the US Coast Guard tried to board and confiscate it in December following Washington’s blockade on oil shipments from and to Venezuela. The tanker, now named Marinera and registered in Russia, has been navigating the eastern Atlantic Ocean, approximately 300 miles south of Iceland and heading towards the North Sea, as reported by the Wall Street Journal citing AIS tracking data.
Russia’s Involvement and Diplomatic Tensions
Russia deployed a submarine and other naval vessels to escort the tanker, according to the Wall Street Journal, citing an unnamed US official. The Russian government has urged the United States to cease pursuing the vessel, as per three additional US officials interviewed by the Journal. The White House and the US Coast Guard did not immediately respond to a request for comment outside of regular business hours, as reported by Reuters.
On Tuesday, the Russian Foreign Ministry stated that it was “closely following the situation regarding the tanker with concern,” according to the WSJ, citing RIA, the state-run Russian news agency.
The US Southern Command, responsible for military activities in Latin America and the Caribbean, posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday that it “remains prepared to support US government partners against sanctioned vessels and actors operating in the region.” The post did not mention the WSJ report or the Russian submarine.
US President’s Plan for Venezolan Oil
On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump announced a plan to refine and sell up to 50 million barrels of Venezuelan oil that had become stranded in Venezuela due to the US blockade. This move signifies further coordination between the White House and the Venezuelan government following the weekend’s capture of President Nicolás Maduro.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is involved in this situation? The United States and Russia are the main parties involved, with the US attempting to seize a Venezuelan oil tanker and Russia sending a submarine to escort it.
- What is the history of the oil tanker? The tanker, previously known as Bella 1, has been changing its name and registry. It was renamed Marinera and registered in Russia after evading a US Coast Guard attempt to board and confiscate it in December.
- What is the significance of the US plan for Venezuelan oil? The announced plan by President Trump to refine and sell up to 50 million barrels of stranded Venezuelan oil indicates increased coordination between the US and the Venezuelan government following the capture of President Nicolás Maduro.
