U.S. Coast Guard Seizure of Sanctioned Tankers Bella 1 and Sophia in the North Atlantic and Caribbean, Russia's Response
Vessel tracking data indicates the Bella 1 tanker was reassigned to New Fleet Ltd., a St. Petersburg-based Russian company, around the time of its pursuit.
CARIBBEAN SEA AND NORTH ATLANTIC — U.S. Coast Guard tactical teams boarded two sanctioned oil tankers, the M/V Bella 1 and M/T Sophia, during coordinated predawn operations on January 7, targeting vessels involved in violations of U.S. sanctions related to Venezuelan oil trade.
The Bella 1, pursued for weeks across the North Atlantic, had attempted evasion by changing its flag, painting a new name on the hull, and re-flagging to Russia, while the Sophia was intercepted in international waters near the Caribbean.
These actions, executed by Department of Homeland Security components with support from the Department of War, Department of Justice, and Department of State, demonstrate a whole-of-government approach to interdicting stateless vessels engaged in illicit activities that threaten Western Hemisphere security and stability.
The operations resulted in the seizure of both tankers without incident, underscoring U.S. commitment to enforcing sanctions against entities supporting Venezuelan and potentially Iranian oil networks.
US Attorney General Pam Bondi noted that the United States is pursuing criminal charges for the ship’s crew members that carried out “frantic efforts to avoid apprehension”. According to Bondi, the vessel was transporting sanctioned oil from Venezuela to Iran when it was intercepted.
“As a consequence of failing to obey the Coast Guard’s orders, members of this vessel are under full investigation and criminal charges will be pursued against all culpable actors,” Bondi said in her statement.
She added, “The Department of Justice is monitoring several other vessels for similar enforcement action - anyone on any vessel who fails to obey instructions of the Coast Guard or other federal officials will be investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
Subsequent assessments indicate the Bella 1’s recent Russian affiliation, prompting diplomatic tensions with Moscow. The Russian Foreign Ministry released a statement saying that they are closely following reports about the boarding, and is demanding that the United States treat the crew humanely, and not block their return to Russia.
Operational Details, Russia’s Response:
This post is for subscribers in the Alerts & Reports: Custom plan
 | A guest post by
|