Oil tanker seized by US spotted off Scottish coast

A Venezuelan-linked oil tanker seized by the US has been spotted off the coast of Moray almost a week after it was intercepted.

The Marinera, a vessel previously known as Bella-1, was captured by US forces on Wednesday as it travelled north and eastwards through the waters between Iceland and Scotland.

RAF surveillance aircraft and a naval supply ship, the RFA Tideforce, were among the British military assets which took part in the operation, according to the UK Ministry of Defence.

The Marinera oil tanker it is not known where the tanker is being escorted to. Peter Jolly

The capture of the Marinera, which appeared bound for a Russian Arctic port, could prove a new flashpoint in relations between the West and Moscow, whose transport ministry appeared to suggest the international law of the sea had been breached.

The sanctioned tanker has been pursued by the US over several weeks, after it apparently escaped what President Donald Trump described as the “total naval blockade” of Venezuela put in place in December.

The Marinera was pictured berthed in the Moray Firth near Burghead, surrounded by smaller tug ships and a US Coast Guard vessel.

It is unknown where the tanker is being escorted to.

A MoD spokesperson said: “Deterring, disrupting and degrading the Russian shadow fleet is a priority for this government. Alongside our allies, we are stepping up our response to shadow vessels – and we will continue to do so.

“We will not comment on specific operational planning or give a running commentary on live maritime activity.”

The White House has been contacted for comment.