A Russian-flagged oil tanker seized by U.S. and UK forces in the North Atlantic has arrived in British waters under escort.
The tanker, Marinera, was escorted by a U.S. Coast Guard vessel and UK tugboats into the Moray Firth in northern Scotland, where it has now dropped anchor. The ship is not currently visible on marine tracking systems after its transponder was reportedly switched off.
The vessel was boarded on January 7 in waters between Iceland and Scotland after being tracked by U.S. forces for more than two weeks. U.S. European Command said the tanker was linked to Venezuelan oil and was intercepted for allegedly breaching US sanctions.
The UK Ministry of Defence confirmed British support for the operation, including RAF aircraft and the naval vessel RFA Tideforce. Defence Secretary John Healey described the ship as a «sanctioned, stateless vessel» linked to sanctions evasion involving Russia and Iran. Moscow has condemned the seizure, warning it could further strain relations with Washington.
