A Venezuela-linked oil tanker accused of dodging US sanctions has been spotted off the Irish coast, prompting aerial surveillance involving the UK, US, France, and Ireland.
The vessel’s apparent use of false identities, evasive sailing tactics, and recent Russian naval support has raised alarms over maritime security in the North Atlantic, drawing attention from Whitehall and European capitals alike.
What is the Venezuelan ‘dark fleet’ and why does it matter to the UK?
The so-called “dark fleet” refers to oil tankers that operate in secrecy, often transporting sanctioned crude from countries such as Venezuela and Iran.
These ships routinely switch off tracking systems, change names and flags mid-voyage, and use opaque ownership structures to avoid detection.
For the UK, the presence of such vessels is significant because these tankers pass near Irish and UK-controlled waters.
Any accident, spill, or collision could have serious environmental and economic consequences, particularly for coastal communities and fisheries.
Additionally, the UK enforces sanctions aligned with the US and the EU, making surveillance of these vessels both a legal and strategic priority.
What happened with the Bella 1 tanker?
The tanker at the centre of the controversy was formerly known as Bella 1, but intelligence reports indicate it is now operating under the name Marinera.
According to AI maritime analytics firm Windward, the vessel changed its name, painted a Russian flag on its hull, and reflagged to Russia mid-voyage in December 2025 to avoid capture by the US Coast Guard.
Windward noted that the tanker has since been observed roughly 230 miles off the Irish coast, under close monitoring by US P-8 Poseidon surveillance aircraft and allied forces, including the UK and France.
Report that US forces have been tracking the vessel since December as Washington intensified efforts to enforce sanctions on Venezuelan oil shipments.
Why is Russia’s involvement significant?
The situation escalated after reports indicated that Russia dispatched a submarine and additional naval assets to escort the tanker.
If confirmed, this would represent a rare case of a sanctioned vessel receiving direct military protection while operating near European waters.
Reuters reported that Russia formally requested the US stop tracking the vessel, describing the pursuit as “an unjustified interference with lawful maritime navigation.”
Analysts warn that any Russian submarine activity in the North Atlantic would be closely monitored by NATO, including UK defence authorities, due to the strategic implications for regional security.
Has the tanker been sanctioned before?
Yes. According to the US Treasury, Bella 1 has been under sanctions since June 2024. The vessel is alleged to have transported millions of barrels of Venezuelan and Iranian crude to China between 2021 and 2025 and has connections to a company accused of financing Hezbollah-linked operations.
Maritime experts say the Bella 1 case is part of a broader trend: over the past six months, several dark fleet tankers have switched to Russian registration to shield themselves from drone attacks, seizures, and sanctions enforcement.
Windward reports that at least two other sanctioned tankers in Venezuelan waters have recently adopted the Russian flag, including Hyperion, which departed Venezuela on 1 January, and Premier, which changed its registration from Gambia to Russia on 22 December.
What media and intelligence footage is circulating?
Russia’s state-controlled broadcaster RT released video footage filmed from the tanker’s deck, purportedly showing a US Coast Guard cutter following the ship.
BREAKING WORLD EXCLUSIVE: RT obtains FIRST footage of Russian-flagged civilian Marinera tanker being CHASED by US Coast Guard warship in the North Atlantic https://t.co/sNbqJkm5O5 pic.twitter.com/XtbBML3a6j
— RT (@RT_com) January 6, 2026
Analysts caution that such footage should be treated carefully, but it underscores the heightened tensions surrounding dark fleet operations.
Why does this matter for the UK and Ireland?
Although the interception is being conducted by US authorities, the tanker’s proximity to Ireland places it close to shipping lanes used by the UK and Ireland.
Environmental hazards, including oil spills, remain a serious concern, as do potential collisions with commercial vessels.
Former Royal Navy officers have warned that poorly maintained dark fleet vessels operating in North Atlantic conditions pose a growing safety risk.
