A Russian-flagged oil tanker with links to Venezuela has entered Scottish waters for replenishment after US forces seized the vessel in the North Atlantic last week. The Marinera, formerly known as Bella-1, arrived in the Moray Firth off northern Scotland at the request of the US Coast Guard to take on essential supplies including food and water for its crew.
US forces intercepted the sanctioned tanker between Iceland and Scotland on Wednesday. The vessel had reportedly been pursued across the Atlantic after approaching a naval blockade around Venezuela. UK armed forces assisted in the seizure operation but did not board the ship.
Government Response
The UK government has justified the action as part of broader efforts to combat the so-called Russian shadow fleet. A spokeswoman for the Department for Transport said: «Deterring, disrupting and degrading the Russian shadow fleet is a priority for this government. Alongside our allies, we are stepping up our response to shadow vessels – and we will continue to do so. The Bella-1 entered UK waters to be replenished with essential supplies – including food and water for the crew – earlier today before it continues its onward journey.»
Defence Secretary John Healey linked the vessel to international sanctions evasion. He stated: «This ship, with a nefarious history, is part of a Russian-Iranian axis of sanctions evasion which is fuelling terrorism, conflict and misery from the Middle East to Ukraine.»
Shadow Fleet Operations
The Marinera had initially been flying the flag of Guyana falsely before being identified as Russian-flagged. The UK government has committed to working with allies to disrupt shadow fleet vessels and their harmful maritime activity. Britain understands to have had no role in the actual replenishment of the vessel beyond allowing it into territorial waters.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
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