Three Indian nationals were among the 28 crew members aboard a Russian-flagged oil tanker seized by United States military forces in the North Atlantic, multiple international news agencies reported on Thursday. The vessel, identified as Marinera — previously known as Bella 1 — was tracked and intercepted by U.S. forces after reportedly evading a maritime blockade on sanctioned tankers near Venezuela.
According to reports, the crew of 28 included 17 Ukrainians, six Georgians, three Indian citizens and two Russians. The tanker’s seizure follows a weeks-long pursuit that began in the Caribbean Sea, where the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Navy tracked the vessel as it attempted to evade inspection under existing sanctions enforcement.
Marinera Pursued, Renamed and Seized
The tanker initially operated under the name Bella 1 and was sanctioned by U.S. authorities in 2024 for its involvement in transporting oil in violation of U.S. sanctions, including shipments linked to Venezuela. During its pursuit, the ship reportedly changed its name to Marinera and adopted a Russian flag in what experts say was an effort to claim protection under Russia’s jurisdiction. U.S. military and Coast Guard forces ultimately intercepted the ship in international waters after securing a federal warrant for its seizure.
International Response and Legal Dispute
Russia’s Ministry of Transport, citing the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, issued a statement condemning the interception, arguing that no nation has the right to use force against a ship legally registered under another state’s flag in international waters. Moscow has demanded the “humane and dignified treatment” of all crew members and called for their prompt return home, according to official sources.
The move has sparked diplomatic tensions, with senior Russian lawmakers denouncing the seizure as “outright piracy” and a violation of international maritime norms. The United Kingdom confirmed it provided operational support during the operation, particularly in surveillance and tracking, though no British personnel boarded the vessel.
Crew Status and Ongoing Developments
All crew members, including the three Indian nationals, remain in the custody of U.S. authorities as investigations continue. Officials are probing the tanker’s ownership, movements and allegations of sanctions evasion under maritime and international law. Details about the identities or conditions of the Indian crew members have not yet been released, and there has been no immediate comment from Indian government officials.
The high-profile seizure underscores growing enforcement of U.S. sanctions on vessels linked to Venezuelan oil exports and illustrates the complexities of maritime law, flag state protections and global geopolitics.
