US attempts to seize Russia-linked tanker in Atlantic
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The US has attempted to seize a Russia-linked tanker in the north Atlantic, after a previous bid failed as it sailed to Venezuela, according to a UK official.
The Marinera, an empty oil tanker, has broadcast positioning data that shows it making a sudden turn at 11.26am GMT in the Atlantic to the north-west of Scotland.
Aircraft position data also shows three US Air Force Pilatus U-28 Draco aircraft, used in support of special forces operations, heading north from Wick in northern Scotland.
An RAF P-8 Poseidon aircraft, which can be used for anti-submarine warfare and surveillance, has also headed into the area.
The UK official did not give more details about the operation beyond confirming it had taken place and the Pentagon did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Russian state media reported that a helicopter was trying to land what appeared to be US forces on the tanker.
Reports earlier on Wednesday said that Russia was sending a submarine and potentially other naval vessels to help escort the tanker back to Russia.
The US previously sought to interdict the ship, previously called the Bella 1, under Iran-related sanctions, in December. An attempt was made to board it as it approached the Caribbean, prompting it to flee east across the Atlantic.
The US also cited the tanker’s lack of proper flag registration as grounds for seizure. The ship was, at the time, operating under a false Guyanese flag. Under the laws of the sea, warships are allowed to board suspected stateless vessels.
Since it began its flight, however, the ship was sold to a Russian company and reflagged legitimately as a Russian vessel.
The attempted seizure of the vessel is likely to further strain western ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin amid negotiations over a peace deal with Ukraine.
This is a developing story
