Russia sends navy to guard oil tanker which US tried to seize off Venezuela
Russia Venezuela oil clash: The ship reportedly began its journey from Iran and was bound for Venezuela which is alleged to be a part of the “shadow fleet” which transports oil for Russia, Iran and Venezuela.
The vessel tanker Bella 1 at Singapore Strait, after US officials say the U.S. Coast Guard pursued an oil tanker in international waters near Venezuela. (Reuters Photo)
Russia Venezuela oil clash: Russia has reportedly deployed a submarine and other naval assets to escort a “shadow fleet” oil tanker which was also being pursued by the United States as it was trying to evade the American blockade near Venezuela.
The oil tanker is said to be empty and ageing, which is currently located between Iceland and the British Isles. The ship, which was earlier named Bella 1, got its name changed to Merinera, and it has been reflagged from a Guyanese vessel to a Russian vessel.
The oil tanker has been accused of breaching US sanctions and shipping Iranian oil, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing a US official on Tuesday. The tanker has been escaping American interception since the US Coast Guard attempted to board and seize it in December.
The ship reportedly began its journey from Iran and was bound for Venezuela, which is alleged to be a part of the “shadow fleet” which transports oil for Russia, Iran and Venezuela despite US sanctions. Russia has urged the US to stop pursuing the vessel, the WSJ reported, citing three US officials.
US President Donald Trump, in December, had ordered a blockade of sanctioned oil tankers which were arriving or departing Venezuela. Then Caracas administration, being led by deposed leader Nicolas Maduro, has called the Trump administration’s order as “theft”.
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After the US Coast Guard issued a warrant to seize the tanker, the reported fleet changed its course and initiated its approach towards Europe but it was met with the arrival of 10 US military transport aircraft and helicopters, BBC reported.
The Russian foreign ministry, while responding to the situation, said it is “monitoring the situation”.
“At present, our vessel is sailing in the international waters of the North Atlantic under the state flag of the Russian Federation and in full compliance with the norms of international maritime law,” the Russian foreign ministry said in a statement.
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The vessel tanker Bella 1 at Singapore Strait, after US officials say the U.S. Coast Guard pursued an oil tanker in international waters near Venezuela. (Reuters Photo) 
