Venezuelan 'dark fleet' tanker reflags as Russian and is tracked off Ireland, reports say

Reports say the Venezuela-linked tanker Bella 1 renamed itself Marinera, painted a Russian flag and reflagged to Russia while U.S. surveillance tracked it off Ireland; Reuters reported Russia formally asked the United States to stop the pursuit.

Reports say a Venezuela-linked oil tanker described as part of a so-called "dark fleet" changed its name and adopted a Russian flag during a voyage. Intelligence firm Windward reported the vessel previously known as Bella 1 was renamed Marinera and reflagged to Russia. U.S., U.K., French and Irish aircraft were reported to have conducted aerial surveillance as U.S. forces tracked the ship near Ireland. Reuters reported that Russia formally asked the United States on Jan. 1 to halt its pursuit. Reported details: - Windward reported the tanker formerly called Bella 1 painted a Russian flag on its hull, changed its name to Marinera, and reflagged to Russia mid-voyage. - U.S. P-8 surveillance aircraft were reported to have tracked the vessel off Ireland, and NATO partners reportedly conducted aerial monitoring. - Windward said the vessel had been under sanctions since June 2024 and was accused of transporting illicit oil cargoes linked to a company described as Hezbollah-connected. - Reuters reported that Moscow made a diplomatic request for the U.S. to stop pursuing the ship as U.S. forces continued tracking it. Summary: Reported accounts state officials and analysts described a mid-voyage name and flag change intended to avoid interception, and that the tanker is currently under aerial surveillance by U.S. and allied forces off Ireland. Russia has formally requested that the United States cease its pursuit. Undetermined at this time.