The Russian-flagged oil tanker Marinera, seized by the United States in the North Atlantic on Wednesday, had three Indian nationals among its 28-member crew, according to a report by Russia Today. Following the seizure, Moscow urged Washington to ensure dignified and humane treatment of all detained crew members and called for the immediate release of foreign nationals.
Sources said the vessel, previously known as Bella 1, was manned by 28 crew members, including 17 Ukrainians, six Georgians, three Indians and two Russian citizens, one of whom was the ship’s captain. All crew members are currently in US custody, though officials have not indicated when they may be released.
US authorities are presently examining the ownership of the tanker as part of an investigation into possible violations of maritime and sanctions-related laws.
The Marinera—described as Venezuela-linked—was seized after a weeks-long pursuit in the North Atlantic that reportedly involved Russian naval assets. The operation was carried out by the US Coast Guard and the US military, with the knowledge and approval of the United Kingdom.
Officials said British cooperation played a crucial role in the operation. UK airbases were used to support the mission, while Royal Air Force surveillance aircraft tracked the tanker as it moved through waters between Iceland and the United Kingdom.
The seizure triggered a strong reaction from Moscow. Russia’s Transport Ministry said no country has the right to use force against vessels legally registered under another state’s jurisdiction.
Russia’s response grew sharper after senior lawmaker Alexei Zhuravlev, first deputy chairman of the State Duma Committee on Defence, termed the US action “outright piracy,” according to news agency ANI. He went so far as to equate the seizure with an attack on Russian territory, citing the vessel’s Russian flag.
“This is nothing but piracy—the seizure of a civilian ship by an armed American fleet,” Zhuravlev said. “Since the tanker was sailing under our national flag, it amounts to an attack on Russian territory. Such actions must be met with a firm and swift response.”