Russian Navy Escorts Oil Tanker Amid US Pursuit in North Atlantic
Russian Navy Escorts Oil Tanker Amid US Pursuit in North Atlantic
In a significant development in international waters, the Russian Navy has dispatched a submarine and other naval vessels to escort an oil tanker named 'Sailor' (formerly known as Bella 1). According to a report by *The Wall Street Journal* on Tuesday, January 6, a U.S. official revealed that this move is part of Russia's efforts to protect the vessel from being intercepted by American forces.
The oil tanker, originally named Bella 1, gained attention in December last year when it evaded a U.S. attempt to board it and entered the Atlantic Ocean. During the pursuit by the U.S. Coast Guard, the ship was repainted with the Russian flag, renamed 'Sailor,' and its registration was changed to Russia. Currently, the tanker is located approximately 480 kilometers south of Iceland, heading towards the North Sea.
Initially, the vessel was intended to load oil in Venezuela but was unable to dock due to a U.S. blockade. It is currently empty. A U.S. official also disclosed that Russia has demanded that the United States cease its pursuit of the tanker.
The Bella 1, which flew the Panamanian flag, had been targeted by U.S. sanctions before being intercepted. Meanwhile, the Russian Foreign Ministry stated on Tuesday that it is closely monitoring the situation involving the 'Sailor' in the North Atlantic. The ministry emphasized to TASS news agency that the tanker, now flying the Russian flag, is operating in international waters and fully complying with international maritime law.
Despite being approximately 4,000 kilometers away from the U.S. coast, a U.S. Coast Guard vessel has been tracking the tanker for several days. The unusual attention from both the United States and NATO has raised questions about the broader geopolitical implications of this incident.
This event comes amid heightened tensions between Russia and the United States, with both nations engaging in a complex interplay of power and diplomacy on the global stage. The situation underscores the ongoing competition over resources, maritime rights, and strategic influence in international waters.