British forces 'assisted' US in 'shadow fleet' tanker seizure off UK waters - as second vessel captured in Caribbean
The raid follows an earlier operation targeting another shadow ship, the Marinera, in the North Atlantic.
US troops have seized a second Russian 'shadow fleet' tanker in the Caribbean after initially seizing a vessel its forces had been trailing in the North Atlantic.
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The M/T Sophia tanker was apprehended by the US military in a pre-dawn operation on Wednesday after it was "conducting illicit activities in the Caribbean Sea", American officials said.
The seizure was conducted as part of a the US Coast Guard's dual operation to seize Venezuela-linked oil tankers in a "meticulously coordinated" operation, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said.
The operations, which took place within hours of each other, saw troops board one ship in the North Atlantic Sea and another in international waters near the Caribbean.
The tankers - the Marinera and the Sophia - were "either last docked in Venezuela or en route to it", Noem added.
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?
In a pre-dawn action this morning, the Department of War, in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security, apprehended a stateless, sanctioned dark fleet motor tanker without incident.
— U.S. Southern Command (@Southcom) January 7, 2026
The interdicted vessel, M/T Sophia, was operating in international waters and… pic.twitter.com/JQm9gHprPk
The Sophia was described by the US department of War as "stateless, sanctioned dark fleet motor tanker without incident" in a post on X.
US officials earlier confirmed that they had taken custody of the Marinera vessel on Wednesday, with dramatic images showing a helicopter hovering beside the tanker.
Noem added that the Marinera, which was sailing under a temporary permit to use the Russian flag, had been "trying to evade the Coast Guard for weeks, even changing its flag and painting a new name on the hull while being pursued".
It comes as the UK confirmed its involvement in the tanker's seizure, noting links to both Russia and Iran, the MoD has confirmed.
In a statement, UK Defence Secretary John Healey said: "Today our UK Armed Forces showed skill and professionalism in support of a successful U.S. 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."
The Marinera tanker was seized while operating between Scotland and Iceland, with the vessel not believed to be carrying oil - however, it does have a long history of transporting sanctioned Venezuelan crude and has been under sustained US surveillance for weeks.
Russia's foreign ministry has demanded that the US ensure "humane and proper treatment of Russian citizens aboard the Marinera", calling for their rights and interests to be observed.
The tanker's seizure was slammed by Andrei Klishas, a senior politician from Vladimir Putin's party, who claimed the operation was an act of "outright piracy".
It was revealed earlier today that Russia has deployed naval surface vessels and submarines into the North Atlantic to protect the Marinera.
Marine tracking data shows that the vessel has recently switched course to head south.
Flight logs also indicate that a Boeing Poseidon MRA1 has left RAF Lossiemouth and several US Air Force Pilatus U-28A Draco have left Wick with a destination of Reykjavik.
The US Coast Guard has also reportedly attempted to board another crude oil tanker in the Caribbean, off the coast of Latin America.
Downing Street has refused to comment on reports that the US is seizing the oil tanker which is travelling off British waters.
No 10 said it would not comment on speculation, or the uses of British military bases by third parties.
US officials told the Reuters news agency that the operation is being carried out by the Coast Guard and US military.