Russian-Flagged Tanker Seized By U.S. Arrives in UK Waters

(Bloomberg) — An oil tanker sailing under the flag of Russia arrived in UK territorial waters — days after it was seized in the Atlantic Ocean by US forces.

“The Bella 1 entered UK waters to be replenished with essential supplies – including food and water for the crew – yesterday before it continues its onward journey,” the country’s Department for Transport said in a statement.

The tanker was followed across the Atlantic Ocean by a US coastguard boat and ultimately seized while in international waters. The ship, which industry databases show had previously flown a false flag, switched to sail under the Russian flag — meaning it’s registered there. Moscow complained about the seizure.

The US has grabbed at least four oil tankers that either carried Venezuelan oil, or sought to do so, having blockaded the Latin American country’s exports before capturing its president, Nicolás Maduro. 

The UK’s Department for Transport said the country is “stepping up” its response to so-called shadow-fleet vessels — ships that often have unclear ownership and insurance status and sail under questionable flags.

It didn’t say where the Bella 1 — which was renamed to the Marinera during the chase across the Atlantic — will go next. The vessel remains in UK waters for now.

The BBC reported its arrival in the UK on Tuesday, saying it was in the Moray Firth, relatively sheltered waters in northeast Scotland.

© 2026 Bloomberg L.P.

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This article contains reporting from Bloomberg, published under license.

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