New Delhi: A few Indians could be on board the oil tanker seized by the US Wednesday in the North Atlantic, ThePrint has learnt. The tanker M/V Bella 1 (also known as Marinera) was seized by the US Coast Guard with support from the United Kingdom.
The US European Command in a statement Wednesday announced the seizure of the ship citing alleged “violations” of American sanctions.
The tanker was linked to Venezuela and originally sanctioned by the US in 2024 for being a part of an illicit shadow fleet network, used by Russia, Venezuela and Iran to export oil while bypassing US sanctions.
“This seizure supports @POTUS Proclamation targeting sanctioned vessels that threaten the security and stability of the Western Hemisphere. The operation was executed by DHS components with support from @DeptofWar, showcasing a whole-of-government approach to protect the homeland,” the US European Command said in a statement on the social media platform X.
The @TheJusticeDept & @DHSgov, in coordination with the @DeptofWar today announced the seizure of
the M/V Bella 1 for violations of U.S. sanctions. The vessel was seized in the North Atlantic pursuant to a warrant issued by a U.S. federal court after being tracked by USCGC Munro. pic.twitter.com/bm5KcCK30X
— U.S. European Command (@US_EUCOM) January 7, 2026
A person familiar with the matter indicated that a few Indians were likely a part of the crew, however, official confirmation is awaited. The Guyana-flagged tanker was pursued by the US for more than two weeks in the Atlantic Ocean, according to reports.
The British Ministry of Defence in a statement said that it provided “basing” to US military assets as a part of the interdiction mission.
Russian state broadcaster RT has claimed that at least three Indians were a part of the crew that included Ukrainians, Georgians and Russians. The tanker was not carrying any oil. The captain of the ship is said to have reflagged the vessel with a Russian flag, according to RT.
Moscow has condemned the seizure of the tanker, highlighting that under law the ship could have been stopped under strict restrictions, none of which applied to the M/V Bella 1.
The US Wednesday seized two ships linked to Venezuela. Apart from the Bella 1, the US Coast Guard also seized the M/T Sophia, in the Caribbean. The efforts are a part of the US to curtail Venezuela’s oil exports.
Last weekend the US launched air strikes against Venezuela and captured President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores. The President of Venezuela was brought to the US and has since been charged with narco-terrorism, a charge Maduro denies.
The US has since asserted that the sale of oil by Venezuela must go through avenues solely provided by Washington, with President Donald J. Trump indicating that Caracas will be working with his administration on the sale of Venezuelan oil.
Trump has been highlighting US’ interests in Venezuela’s natural resources since the capture of Maduro, suggesting that his administration is in charge of Caracas. Vice President Delcy Rodriguez has been sworn in as the interim President of Venezuela.
The US has been enforcing a blockade on Caracas, preventing the export of its oil, which has helped keep the country’s economy afloat in recent years. Venezuela has been heavily sanctioned by the US since Trump’s first tenure.
India has highlighted its deep concern on the situation in Venezuela and called for a peaceful resolution to the crisis to ensure regional stability. The capture of Maduro has led to strong condemnations from Russia and China, while European leaders have been more circumspect, calling for the respect of international law.
(Edited by Amrtansh Arora)
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