Oil tanker goes dark after crew painted a Russian flag.

U.S. officials say the tanker Bella 1 painted a Russian flag and turned off its tracking while avoiding a Coast Guard boarding; the Coast Guard had a warrant to seize the ship but has not boarded and has tactical teams ready.

The Bella 1 was reported to have turned off its tracking and to be avoiding a Coast Guard boarding after U.S. forces stopped the ship in late December. Officials say crew members painted a Russian flag on the hull and claimed the vessel was under Russian protection while it moved to pick up oil. The ship had been under U.S. sanctions for carrying Iranian oil and was originally flying another country's flag, which that government said did not register the tanker. Reports say the Coast Guard held a warrant to seize the vessel but did not board it during the encounter. What is known: - U.S. officials reported the crew painted a Russian flag and refused a Coast Guard boarding. - The ship's tracking was turned off and it changed course away from its earlier destination. - The U.S. Coast Guard held a warrant to seize the vessel but did not board at the time; tactical teams have been prepared in case authorities order a seizure. - The events occurred alongside recent U.S. sanctions and actions related to Venezuelan oil shipping. Summary: The incident involves a sanctioned tanker that U.S. officials say sought to avoid a boarding by claiming foreign protection and disabling its tracking. Undetermined at this time.