In a significant international incident, three Indian citizens were among the crew members aboard a Russian-flagged oil tanker seized by United States forces in the North Atlantic. The vessel, named Marinera, was taken by US authorities on Wednesday, sparking a sharp diplomatic protest from Moscow, which has demanded the immediate release of the ship and its crew.
Details of the Seizure and Crew Nationality
According to reports from the Russian state media outlet Russia Today, the crew of the oil tanker Marinera comprised a diverse group of nationalities. The crew consisted of 17 Ukrainian citizens, six Georgian citizens, three Indian citizens, and two Russian citizens. The US action, authorized by a federal warrant, involved boarding the vessel despite the reported presence of a Russian submarine escort. Washington alleges the tanker was part of a "shadow fleet" transporting sanctioned oil and had fled a US blockade near Venezuela.
Russia's Strong Protest and Legal Arguments
The Russian foreign ministry has issued a formal protest, calling the seizure a serious breach of international law. Moscow asserts that the Marinera had received a temporary legal permit to sail under the Russian flag on December 24, 2025, a move it claims was fully compliant with international regulations. The ministry vehemently rejected the US justification based on its own sanctions.
"Unilateral restrictive measures by the US, as well as other Western countries, are illegitimate and cannot justify attempts to establish jurisdiction and, even more so, to seize ships on the high seas," the Russian statement declared. It further accused US officials of harbouring "neo-colonialist tendencies" aimed at controlling Venezuela's resources.
Demand for Humane Treatment and Crew Safety
A central part of Russia's diplomatic response has been a demand for the safety and rights of the detained crew members. The Russian foreign ministry explicitly called on Washington to "ensure humane and dignified treatment" of all crew members, observe their rights, and facilitate their prompt return home. This appeal underscores the human element of the dispute, placing the welfare of the 28 crew members, including the three Indians, at the forefront.
Russia maintains that it repeatedly conveyed information about the Marinera, formerly known as Bella 1, to the United States prior to the seizure. The incident escalates existing tensions between the two nations over maritime jurisdiction and the enforcement of unilateral sanctions, setting a concerning precedent for global shipping and crew safety.
