A Russian-flagged oil tanker, formerly known as Bella 1 and later renamed Marinera, which was seized by U.S. authorities in the Atlantic, has entered British waters, drawing renewed attention to the fate of its crew.
The tanker arrived in UK to replenish essential supplies, such as food and water, before continuing its onward voyage, according to the UK Department for Transport. The BBC is reporting its presence in the Moray Firth off northeast Scotland.
The vessel was escorted across the Atlantic and seized by U.S. forces in international waters earlier this month. The seizure was carried out on suspicion that the tanker was linked to sanctions violations and the transport of Venezuelan oil. During the pursuit, the vessel reportedly changed its flag and was subsequently registered under the Russian flag. Moscow protested the operation.
According to reports, Marinera had a crew of 28 seafarers from several countries: 17 Ukrainian citizens, six Georgians (including the captain), three Indians, and two Russians. U.S. authorities have stated that the tanker is part of Venezuela’s so-called shadow fleet and indicated that criminal charges may be pursued against crew members.
The Ukrainian embassy has said it is monitoring the situation and is in contact with U.S. authorities regarding the Ukrainian seafarers. Families of crew members from other countries have also appealed to their governments for assistance.
U.S. officials reportedly released two Russian crew members following diplomatic engagement by Moscow, while the status of the remaining seafarers remains unclear.
According to the Financial Times, the tanker Marinera is owned by the Ryazan-registered company ‘Burevestmarin,’ headed by a businessman from Russian-occupied Crimea. Serhiy Bratchuk, representative of the Ukrainian Volunteer Army, reported that the Ukrainian crew members of Marinera are also residents of Crimea, who hold Ukrainian citizenship.
It is expected that any procedural actions regarding the crew members will be carried out after the vessel is escorted to the United States
