U.S. special operation forces along with the Coast Guard boarded and seized the Russian-flagged oil tanker on Wednesday in the North Atlantic near Iceland. The vessel was not carrying oil, as it reversed course near Venezuela as it encountered the U.S. blockade of Venezuelan oil exports.
The Russian-flagged Marinera was reportedly being shadowed by Russian vessels, including a submarine in the vicinity, but no vessels were near the tanker when the U.S. boarded without hostility or resistance from the crew.
U.S. special forces initially helped board the vessel, but left it to Coast Guard control.
It was the first time in recent history that the U.S. has seized a Russian flagged vessel.