Russian state broadcaster RT reported on Wednesday that US forces appeared to be attempting to board the Venezuela-linked oil tanker "Marinera" using a helicopter, publishing an image showing an aircraft hovering near the ship, according to Reuters.
The "Marinera" belongs to Venezuela's "shadow fleet" of vessels that transport oil in violation of US and international sanctions. Presently carrying no cargo, the ship quickly changed its name from Bella 1 and displayed a Russian flag on its hull in what appears to be an attempt to secure Russian protection.
The ship has tried to evade US authorities after managing to slip through the naval blockade on the Latin American country in December, imposed by President Donald Trump as a means of pressure the regime of Nicolas Maduro to coopearte with the US. Trump ultimately took military action against Maduro and had him captured and brought tot he US in early January.
Reuters noted that it could not immediately verify the report from the Russian outlet. Russian President Vladimir Putin had dispatched naval vessels to accompany the oil tanker on its Atlantic journey to Russia.
Earlier on Wednesday, a US official informed Reuters that American forces were trying to confiscate the US-sanctioned oil tanker following a chase across the Atlantic Ocean that has lasted more than two weeks.
RT quoted an anonymous source stating that a US Coast Guard ship had been trailing the tanker and that an effort to seize the vessel during a storm had already taken place.
State media cited the Russian Foreign Ministry as asserting that the ship – which is now flying the Russian flag – is located in international waters and is operating in accordance with international maritime law. The ministry called on Western nations to honor the vessel's right to freedom of navigation, Reuters reported.
