US seizes Russian-flagged oil tanker linked to Venezuela
The US intercepted the Russian-flagged Marinera – formerly known as the Bella 1 – in the northern Atlantic Ocean, weeks after it fled an American blockade of sanctioned Venezuela-linked oil tankers. The ship was sanctioned by the US in 2024 for operating within a “shadow fleet” of tankers transporting illicit oil.
Aug. 2025
Guyanese-flagged oil tanker Bella 1 leaves Iran heading for Venezuela
Jan. 7, 2026
The US seizes the tanker
Jan. 1, 2026
The tanker reappears under a Russian flag and a new name – the Marinera
Russia
US
Atlantic
Ocean
Venezuela
Dec, 17, 2025
To evade the US blockade, it changes direction and stops transmitting its location
Aug. 2025
Guyanese-flagged oil tanker Bella 1 leaves Iran heading for Venezuela
Jan. 7, 2026
The US seizes the tanker
Jan. 1, 2026
The tanker reappears under a Russian flag and a new name – the Marinera
Russia
US
Atlantic
Ocean
Dec, 17, 2025
To evade the US blockade, it changes direction and stops transmitting its location
Venezuela
Arctic
Ocean
Russia
Aug. 2025
Guyanese-flagged oil tanker Bella 1 leaves Iran heading for Venezuela
Jan. 7, 2026
The US seizes the tanker
US
Jan. 1, 2026
The tanker reappears sailing under a Russian flag and a new name – the Marinera
Dec. 3, 2025
Atlantic
Ocean
Dec. 17, 2025
To evade the US blockade, it changes direction and stops transmitting its location
Venezuela
