UK Part in US Seizure Of Russian Tanker Ghost Fleet Hunt MOD

UK had a Part in US Seizure Of Russian Tanker In ‘Ghost Fleet’ Hunt MOD

The UK has confirmed that its armed forces helped the United States seize a Russian-flagged oil tanker operating as part of a global “shadow fleet” used to evade sanctions by Venezuela, Iran and Russia. The vessel — the Marinera, formerly known as Bella 1 — was intercepted in the North Atlantic by the US Coast Guard as it sailed between Iceland and Scotland.

At Washington’s request, the UK deployed RAF surveillance aircraft and Royal Fleet Auxiliary support ship RFA Tideforce to support the operation. Defence Secretary John Healey said the move was fully compliant with international law, adding that Britain “will not stand by as malign activity increases on the high seas.”

The US had previously attempted to board the tanker in the Caribbean under a federal warrant. The ship then changed its name, switched registration and flew a false flag, before cutting its transponders as it was pursued north — a classic shadow-fleet tactic. Moscow has condemned the seizure and demanded protection for Russian crew.

Healey told MPs the Marinera has a long history of sanction-busting activity linked to Iran, Hezbollah and the Kremlin, claiming the ship helped move 7.3 million barrels of oil generating funds for terrorism and destabilisation. He also accused shadow fleets of playing a “vital” role in bankrolling Putin’s war in Ukraine.

A Downing Street spokesperson confirmed that Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer discussed the joint operation with President Trump, as well as Venezuela and Ukraine policy. The operation coincides with the US seizure of a second Venezuela-linked tanker, the M/T Sophia, and follows the shock US mission that removed Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.

Analysts warn that shadow-fleet smuggling is booming — with an estimated one in five global tankers now engaged in sanctions evasion — turning the world’s oceans into a geopolitical chessboard.

Key Takeaways

1. UK forces assisted the US in seizing a Russian-flagged oil tanker.

2. The vessel is accused of sanctions-busting for Russia, Iran and Venezuela.

3. Moscow condemns the seizure as tensions escalate at sea.

Source: BBC

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OlCnZNVbiTI