British armed forces played a crucial supporting role in a major US-led operation to intercept a so-called 'ghost fleet' oil tanker in the Atlantic Ocean today. The dramatic pre-dawn raid, which saw a US Coast Guard tactical team storm the vessel, was backed by UK surveillance and naval support.
Coordinated Atlantic Operation
The Ministry of Defence confirmed that RAF surveillance aircraft and the Royal Fleet Auxiliary support ship RFA Tideforce were deployed to assist the American mission. The operation targeted the tanker Marinera, with US personnel boarding the ship from a helicopter in the early hours of 7 January 2026.
A shocking video released by US Homeland Security boss Kristi Noem shows the moment armed Coast Guard operatives fast-roped onto the deck. In a social media post accompanying the clip, Noem stated the operation was one of "two predawn operations" conducted "back-to-back" against ghost fleet vessels.
What is a 'Ghost Fleet'?
The term 'ghost fleet' refers to aging tankers often used to clandestinely transport oil, sometimes in violation of international sanctions. These vessels frequently switch off transponders to avoid detection, posing significant risks to maritime security and environmental safety.
News agency Reuters had earlier reported that the US was carrying out operations to seize a vessel named the BELLA-1, indicating the scale of the enforcement action.
UK-US Defence Partnership in Action
This joint mission underscores the close defence and security cooperation between the United Kingdom and the United States. The deployment of high-value UK assets like the RFA Tideforce highlights the operational commitment to combined maritime security efforts far from home waters.
The Ministry of Defence's statement firmly places British forces in a support capacity for this US-led operation, reflecting a coordinated strategy to address complex transnational threats on the high seas.
