British forces helped US mission to seize rogue Russian-flagged tanker in Atlantic
The seizure of Russian-flagged oil tanker Marinera was supported by the British armed forces, the Ministry of Defence has said.
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The MoD said the supply ship RFA Tideforce and RAF surveillance aircraft assisted the US operation to seize the tanker.
The Marinera - formerly known as Bella-1 - had previously broken through Donald Trump's 'full naval blockade' of Venezuela.
The department insisted the support was "in full compliance with international law".
Defence Secretary John Healey said: "Today our UK Armed Forces showed skill and professionalism in support of a successful US interception of the vessel Bella 1 while on its way to Russia. This action formed part of global efforts to crack down on sanctions busting.
"This ship, with a nefarious history, is part of a Russian-Iranian axis of sanctions evasion which is fuelling terrorism, conflict, and misery from the Middle East to Ukraine.
Read more: US forces seize rogue ‘shadow fleet’ oil tanker in dramatic raid after pursuit across Atlantic
Read more: What was the Marinera really carrying for Russia and Venezuela, and why did Washington move first?
"The UK will continue to step up our action against shadow fleet activity to protect our national security, our economy, and global stability - making Britain secure at home and strong abroad.
"The US is the UK's closest defence and security partner. The depth of our defence relationship with the US is an essential part of our security, and today's seamlessly executed operation shows just how well this works in practice."
The MoD added the ship had initially flown a false flag and is assessed to have been involved in illegal activity linked to Hezbollah.
Earlier, Downing Street refused to comment on reports. No 10 said it would not comment on speculation, or the uses of British military bases by third parties.
Today, the UK has provided enabling support to the United States at their request to interdict the vessel Bella 1. pic.twitter.com/9QveMnwZBa
— Ministry of Defence 🇬🇧 (@DefenceHQ) January 7, 2026
US forces boarded the Marinera, a Russian-flagged vessel previously known as Bella-1, on Wednesday, as it travelled north and eastwards through the waters between Iceland and Scotland.
Posting on social media, the US European Command said: "The @TheJusticeDept & @DHSgov, in coordination with the @DeptofWar today announced the seizure of the M/V Bella 1 for violations of U.S. sanctions.
"The vessel was seized in the North Atlantic pursuant to a warrant issued by a U.S. federal court after being tracked by USCGC Munro."
It continued: "This seizure supports @POTUS Proclamation targeting sanctioned vessels that threaten the security and stability of the Western Hemisphere.
"The operation was executed by DHS components with support from @DeptofWar, showcasing a whole-of-government approach to protect the homeland."
