The US military said on Wednesday that American forces finally seized a Russia-flagged oil tanker in the North Atlantic after pursuing the vessel across the ocean in a highly unusual chase.
The tanker, originally called the Bella 1, evaded a US naval blockade of sanctioned vessels near Venezuela last month, avoiding attempts by the American military to board the vessel.
The ship, described by officials in multiple reports as a “dark fleet” tanker operating in violation of sanctions, then fled into the Atlantic, setting off a dramatic two-week chase. It changed its name to Marinera and reflagged, painting the Russian tricolor on the ship’s hull.
US European Command said in a statement Wednesday that the oil tanker was seized “pursuant to a warrant issued by a US federal court” after it was tracked by the US Coast Guard cutter Munro.
The seizure supports the Trump administration’s efforts to target “sanctioned vessels that threaten the security and stability of the Western Hemisphere,” the military said.
It said the seizure operation was executed by the Department of Homeland Security with support from the Pentagon, “showcasing a whole-of-government approach to protect the homeland.”
Flight-tracking data reviewed by Business Insider revealed a flurry of US military aircraft were airborne either shortly before or during the seizure.
At least three Pilatus U-28A Draco aircraft, planes used by US Air Force Special Operations Command for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions, were observed flying north of Scotland.
An Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker refueling aircraft and a US Navy P-8 Poseidon aircraft — the latter of which specializes in submarine hunting missions and maritime patrol— took off from a base in southeastern England and were seen flying off Scotland’s northwestern coast.
It’s unclear if any other nations participated in the effort to seize the tanker or if the US acted alone. A NATO official said earlier that the alliance was uninvolved in any active operations involving the ship.
“NATO tracks the activities of shadow fleet vessels closely to enhance maritime situational awareness,” an alliance official told Business Insider. “However, there is no current involvement by NATO’s standing naval forces in these operations.”
This is a breaking story. Check back for updates.
