Britain's Ministry of Defence confirmed it provided military assistance to US forces that seized a Russian-flagged oil tanker northwest of Britain and Ireland, arguing the operation was legal because the vessel breached US sanctions on Iran. Defence Secretary John Healey said the UK allowed US aircraft to use bases to prepare for and carry out the mission, while the RAF provided extra surveillance and the navy refuelling during the final capture.
Healey said British involvement was justified under international law because the Marinera, sailing from the Caribbean Sea towards Russia, had previously been placed under sanctions when it was known as the Bella 1. He described the ship as part of a “Russian-Iranian axis of sanctions evasion” fuelling terrorism and conflict. The vessel had changed its name five times in five years and falsely flown the flag of Guyana, making it stateless and thus subject to lawful interception.
The Marinera was also part of “an increasing web of shadow shipping” that fuels instability, Healey added, noting that Russia operates a vast shadow fleet to bankroll its invasion of Ukraine. The UK decided to assist after a US request, but British forces only played a supporting role and did not take part in the boarding.
Conservative defence spokesperson James Cartlidge supported the seizure, while the Liberal Democrats called for clarification on its legality under international law. Green MP Ellie Chowns questioned why the government “deemed it prudent to hang on US military coattails” and asked if stronger economic sanctions could have been placed on the shadow fleet.
The Bella 1 was heading towards Venezuela in late December but reversed course after being approached by the US Coast Guard. It was hastily renamed Marinera and placed under a Russian flag to deter seizure. The vessel had been under US Treasury sanctions since July 2024 for allegedly carrying illicit cargo for a Hezbollah-linked company. It is not thought to be carrying oil, prompting speculation about nefarious cargo.
Direct British help included the provision of the RFA Tideforce, a Royal Navy utility vessel, and an RAF Rivet Joint surveillance plane. US military’s European Command thanked the UK for its support. Flight records showed the Marinera was closely monitored by US P-8 surveillance aircraft flying from RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk.
