Another sanctioned Russian oil tanker spotted sailing in English Channel under false name, day after UK helped US seize Marinera | World News
The oil tanker left Nemrut port in Türkiye on December 30 and is currently passing through the English Channel. (Photo: Marinetraffic)
A sanctioned Russian tanker was spotted sailing through the English Channel, a day after a similar vessel was seized the US military. The oil tanker, currently sailing under the name of Arcusat, was sanctioned the US in 2024 for transporting Russian oil.
Sanctioned oil tanker sailing form Türkiye
The shadow fleet tanker, which was called Tia in August 2024, when it was sanctioned, was later renamed as Tavian. The oil tanker, which underwent another name change and now goes the moniker Arcusat, is flying a Cameroon flag.
According to ship tracking data, the oil tanker left Nemrut port in Türkiye on December 30 and is currently passing through the English Channel, making its way towards Finland.
US seizure of Marinera
The development comes a day after the US military seized Marinera, a Russian-flagged ship in Icelandic waters, for evading sanctions.
The ship, originally called Bella 1, was sanctioned in 2024 for transporting illicit cargo linked to the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.
Specialized capabilities. Global impact. An unstoppable joint force.Alongside @DeptofWar, @USCG conducted a boarding and seizure of the Motor Tanker Bella I this morning in the North Atlantic. Following a sustained shadowing effort across the Atlantic Coast Guard Cutter… pic.twitter.com/xEmFkh4xLO— U.S. Coast Guard (@USCG) January 7, 2026
The US seized the tanker, which was flying a Russian flag and was being shadowed a Russian submarine, on Wednesday, after pursuing it for more than two weeks across the Atlantic.Story continues below this ad
UK’s role in seizure of Marinera
The UK had helped seize the Marinera providing RAF planes to track its movements through the North Atlantic.
Britain said its armed forces gave “pre-planned operational support, including basing” following a US request for assance.
Today, the UK has provided enabling support to the United States at their request to interdict the vessel Bella 1. pic.twitter.com/9QveMnwZBa— Minry of Defence 🇬🇧 (@DefenceHQ) January 7, 2026
It said a military vessel provided support for the US forces pursuing the tanker, and the Royal Air Force provided surveillance support from the air.
UK Defence Secretary John Healey said the operation targeted a vessel “with a nefarious hory” linked to Russian and Iranian sanctions evasion networks.
“This action formed part of global efforts to crack down on sanctions busting,” he said in a statement.Story continues below this ad
The MoD statement said the support was provided “in full compliance with international law”.
