Russian-flagged tanker seized by US spotted near UK – media
The Russian-flagged tanker Marinera, which was captured by the US military in international waters in the North Atlantic, has been spotted off the shores of northeastern Scotland, several UK media outlets, including the BBC and The Sun, reported on Tuesday.
The vessel was interdicted on January 7 northwest of Scotland. The Pentagon claimed that the ship, formerly known as Bella 1, was involved in “violations of US sanctions” against Venezuela. The UK military provided “support” in seizing the tanker.
The ship was seen being escorted by a US Coast Guard vessel and British tugboats in the Moray Firth – a large triangular inlet located north and east of Inverness – the media outlets said as they published several photos of the tanker.
A UK government official told the BBC that the tanker “entered UK waters to be replenished with essential supplies.” The vessel is expected to sail elsewhere, the official said. According to the media reports, its final destination remains unknown.
Russia previously acknowledged the capture of the vessel. The Transport Ministry stated that the Marinera had received a temporary permit to fly the Russian flag on December 24. It also accused Washington of violating the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, which ensures freedom of navigation in international waters.
The Russian Foreign Ministry said last week that the US authorities were repeatedly notified through official communication channels that the oil tanker was sailing under the Russian flag. Moscow also strongly objected to the threat of prosecution of the tanker’s crew on American soil voiced by US officials.
The ship’s crew was made up of Russian, Ukrainian, and Indian nationals. Washington agreed to set free the two Russian crew members following a request by the Kremlin.
The US first set its sights on the tanker in late December after it reportedly tried to approach Venezuela. At the time, the captain refused a demand to board by the US Coast Guard, and changed course towards the Atlantic, prompting the US military to pursue.
