Captured sanctions-busting oil tanker seen in UK waters after joint US-UK boarding mission

The Russian-flagged oil tanker Marinera, which was previously called Bella 1, has been spotted accompanied by a US Coastguard vessel and UK tugboats in Scotland. 

The Marinera sailed into the UK's territorial waters to enable a replenishment operation to take place safely, and the UK had no direct involvement in the replenishment, BFBS Forces News understands. 

It comes after UK military bases, RAF P-8 Poseidon surveillance aircraft and the Royal Navy's RFA Tideforce were deployed to support an American operation to detain the oil tanker. 

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The Ministry of Defence revealed that the Armed Forces provided pre-planned operational support, including basing, at the request of Washington, to military assets interdicting the Marinera.

However, the tanker is currently located in the Moray Firth in northern Scotland, and her next move is not known, according to the Sun.  

Defence Secretary John Healey praised the "skill and professionalism" of the Armed Forces in supporting the US mission to capture the vessel. 

"This action formed part of global efforts to crack down on sanctions busting," Mr Healey said. 

"This ship, with a nefarious history, is part of a Russian-Iranian axis of sanctions evasion which is fuelling terrorism, conflict and misery from the Middle East to Ukraine."

The government department highlighted that the US sanctioned the ship under counter-Iran measures, designed to stop Tehran profiting from illegal oil sales that fuel instability in the Middle East. 

The MOD said that the vessel had engaged in behaviour with sanctions-evasion activity, including flying a false flag, switching off her transponders while at sea, and attempting to reflag while being pursued. 

A Department for Transport spokesperson said: "Deterring, disrupting and degrading the Russian shadow fleet is a priority for this government. Alongside our allies, we are stepping up our response to shadow vessels – and we will continue to do so. 

"The Bella 1 entered UK waters to be replenished with essential supplies – including food and water for the crew – earlier today before it continues its onward journey."