The U.S. is Planing to try to Intercept a Fleeing Oil Tanker, that Russia Claimed Jurisdiction, Setting-Up a Confrontation between Washington and the Kremlin, over the Vessel’s Fate.
Originally called the Bella 1, the Tanker was Sanctioned by the U.S. in 2024 for Operating within a “Ahadow Fleet” of Tankers Transporting Illicit Oil. It was Initially Headed for Venezuela, before Turning Around to Avoid Seizure by the U.S. Coast Guard 12/2025.
The Tanker was in the North Atlantic as of Two days ago, Heading Northeast near the Coast of the United Kingdom, according to Open-Source Vessel Data from Kpler, a Trade Intelligence Firm.
At some point while being Pursued, the Crew of the Tanker Painted a Russian Flag on its Hull, and Claimed it was Sailing under Russian Protection. Shortly thereafter, the Vessel appeared on Russia’s Official Register of Ships under a New Name, the Marinera.
Russia Filed a Formal Diplomatic Request last month, Demanding that the U.S. Stop Pursuing the Vessel. By Claiming Russian Status, the Legalities of Seizing the Tanker could become more Complicated.
The U.S. is Planning to try to Intercept Sanctioned Oil Tankers, that have Attempted to Evade Capture in recent Days as well. Trump (R) last month, Announced a “Complete Blockade” on Sanctioned Oil Tankers attempting to Enter or Leave Venezuela, as a way to Pressure the Regime of then-Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
The U.S. Captured Maduro from a Compound in Caracas Early Saturday Morning, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio (R) has said the U.S. will continue to Enforce the Blockade as “Leverage” over the Interim Venezuelan Government.
The Plans to Intercept the Bella 1 come as US P-8 Surveillance Aircraft Flying Out of RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk, England, appear to have been Surveilling the Tanker in recent days. There has also been a Broader Repositioning of U.S. Military Assets to the UK.
Over the past 48 hours, at least 12 US C-17s have Landed at Fairford and Lakenheath Airbases, many originating from Airfields in the U.S.
At least Two V-22 Ospreys have also been Active in the UK over the past Three days, with Flight Data appearing to show them running Training Missions in the Eastern UK, out of Fairford air Base. And Ywo AC-130 Gunships were seen arriving at MildenhallBbase, in the UK on Sunday.
Flight Data also shows Two KC-135 Aerial Refueling Tankers flying over the North Atlantic, likely to Refuel U.S. Assets Operating there.
The U.S. used Special Operations Forces and Assets, to Help the U.S. Coast Guard Interdict a Sanctioned Tanker off the Coast of Venezuela on 12/11/2025, and it would likely need to do so again, to Intercept a Vessel in the Nnorth Atlantic.
An Operation that would be more Complicated, given the Bad Weather in the area, and the fact that Russia has Claimed )wnership of the Ship.
Seizing the Bella 1 would likely also Require a Maritime Special Response Team with Experience in Boarding Vessels that do Not Submit to Seize Control of it.
NYC Wins When Everyone Can Vote! Michael H. Drucker
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