Russian Tanker, Escorted by Submarine, “Evades” US Coast Guard, Sparking Speculation
In an apparent effort to evade U.S. sanctions, the Venezuela-linked oil tanker Bella 1, part of the “dark fleet,” changed its name to Marinera, painted a Russian flag, and reflagged to Russia. This occurred mid-voyage as the vessel was fleeing U.S. Coast Guard interception. Following this, the tanker was spotted off the coast of Ireland, prompting aerial surveillance by the U.S., U.K., France, and Ireland. Russia subsequently deployed a submarine and other naval assets to escort the tanker to its own waters, while the U.S. continues to track the vessel, which has been under U.S. Treasury sanctions since June 2024.
John Q. Hosedrinker