US-Seized Russian-Flagged Oil Tanker Enters UK Waters For Resupply

A Russia-flagged oil tanker seized by the United States earlier this month has entered UK waters, with the British government confirming the vessel stopped in Scotland to take on food and water for its crew.

The tanker, now called Marinera and previously known as Bella-1, was seen in the Moray Firth in northern Scotland. It was escorted by a US Coast Guard ship and UK tugboats.

UK officials said the vessel entered British waters only to be resupplied and would continue its journey afterwards.

The UK government said it supported the United States during the operation to seize the tanker in the North Atlantic, an action that was later criticised by Russia.

British authorities said disrupting Russia’s so-called shadow fleet remains a priority and that the UK will continue working with allies on such efforts.

Photographs taken earlier this week showed the tanker anchored near Burghead.

Per reports, its AIS transponder was switched off, meaning it was not visible on public vessel-tracking systems, although UK tugboats supporting the ship were still visible.

Officials believe the stop in the Moray Firth is temporary and mainly for taking on essential supplies. The tanker had earlier avoided an attempt to board it near Venezuela in December.

During the recent seizure, Russian naval assets, including a submarine and other vessels, were sent towards the tanker as it sailed between Iceland and Scotland. US forces boarded the ship before the Russian vessels arrived.

The crew of the Marinera is believed to include 17 Ukrainians, six Georgians, three Indians and two Russians.

Russian officials later said the two Russian crew members had been released. The White House has said some crew members could face prosecution and may be flown to the United States if charges are brought.

The operation also involved support from the UK. Britain’s Ministry of Defence was reported to have deployed a Rivet Joint surveillance aircraft, flown by RAF crews, to collect signals intelligence during the operation.

Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney said he had not been informed in advance about the vessel entering the Moray Firth and only learned of it through media reports.

He said the issue had been raised with the UK government and stated that the Scottish Government should receive advance briefings in such cases.

US officials have described the seizure of oil tankers as part of a strategy linked to recent political developments in Venezuela. Russian authorities have criticised the seizure, accusing the United States of piracy.

The tanker’s final destination remains unclear. UK officials said it is expected to leave British waters once resupply operations are completed.

References: thesun, kyivpost

Source: Maritime Shipping News