The tanker Bella 1, renamed Marinera and put under a Russian flag


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I joined RTE Radio 1’s Drivetime on Wednesday to analyze the US blockade of Venezuela and its seizure of a Russian-flagged tanker in the North Atlantic, 120 miles south of Iceland.

I explain to Katie Hannon how the two-week episode began when the US Coast Guard and navy, enforcing the seizure of ships that might carry Venezuelan oil, began pursuing the Bella 1 in the the Caribbean. The ship took on a Russian flag and, renamed the Marinera, was even being monitored by a Russian submarine.

Despite this, American forces continued their pursuit across the Atlantic until, assisted by UK military personnel, they intercepted and boarded the tanker on Wednesday afternoon.

I discuss the political and legal considerations and how Russia might respond.