Three Indian nationals are currently in US custody following the dramatic seizure of a Russian-flagged oil tanker in the North Atlantic.

The vessel, identified as the Marinera, was intercepted by American forces on Wednesday due to alleged violations of sanctions related to Venezuela. This high-seas operation has sparked a fierce diplomatic row between Moscow and Washington, with the safety of the crew now a central concern.

Crew Composition and Detention

Reports confirm that the ship carried a diverse team of 28 individuals. Alongside the three Indian crew members, the roster included 17 Ukrainians, six Georgians, and two Russian citizens, one of whom served as the captain. Moscow has officially requested that Washington treat all detained personnel with dignity and has pushed for the swift release of the foreign nationals involved. It remains unclear exactly when the sailors will be allowed to return home.

A Joint Operation

The operation to capture the Marinera—previously known as Bella 1—was a complex maneuver involving the US Coast Guard and military assets. British cooperation reportedly played a pivotal role in the success of the mission. Royal Air Force aircraft monitored the ship's movements as it navigated the waters between Iceland and the UK, while British airbases were utilized as launchpads for the boarding attempt.

Escalating Tensions

Reactions from Russia have been swift and sharp. The Russian Transport Ministry asserted that no nation has the right to use force against vessels registered in another jurisdiction. Alexei Zhuravlev, a senior member of the Russian parliament, went further, labeling the act as "outright piracy." He warned that seizing a civilian vessel flying the national flag is comparable to an attack on Russian territory, suggesting such moves warrant a harsh response.

Currently, US authorities are thoroughly investigating the ownership structures of the vessel to enforce maritime and sanction laws.