NEW DELHI, India, January 9 — Three Indian seafarers are among the 28-member crew of a Russian-flagged oil tanker seized by the United States Coast Guard, placing them at the heart of a sharp diplomatic confrontation between Washington and Moscow. The seizure of the vessel ‘Marinera’ in the North Atlantic has escalated into a broader dispute over international maritime law, with Russia demanding the immediate release of the ship and its crew.
What Happened to the Marinera Tanker?
On Wednesday, January 7, U.S. Coast Guard personnel boarded and seized the oil tanker Marinera in international waters of the North Atlantic. The vessel, previously known as Bella 1, was reportedly sailing towards a Russian port. According to Russian state media Russia Today, the crew comprises 17 Ukrainians, six Georgians, three Indians, and two Russians. Moscow claims it had repeatedly informed U.S. authorities of the ship’s Russian civilian status prior to the seizure.
Why Does This Matter Now?
The incident sparked a sharp response from Russia’s Foreign Ministry, which on Thursday accused the U.S. of a “gross violation” of international maritime law. Russia has clearly demanded that Washington ensure “humane and dignified treatment” for all crew members and enable their swift return. The involvement of Indian nationals raises the human and diplomatic stakes of this confrontation, drawing in a third country with global ties.
- The Russian Foreign Ministry stated the seizure was part of a “broader strategy to establish Washington’s unlimited control over Venezuela’s natural resources.”
- Moscow labelled U.S. actions as demonstrating “neo-colonialist tendencies.”
Who are the Three Indians on Board?
While the identities of the three Indian seafarers have not been publicly disclosed, their confirmed presence shifts the narrative beyond a bilateral U.S.-Russia issue. They are now focal points in Russia’s demand for crew welfare and release. The Indian government has not yet issued an official statement regarding its citizens involved in the incident.
What are the Legal Arguments?
Russia asserts the seizure is illegal because the Marinera was peacefully transiting international waters under a temporary Russian flag, granted legally on December 24. It rejects the U.S. justification based on American “sanctions legislation,” calling such unilateral measures illegitimate. The U.S. has so far not provided a detailed public statement on the specific legal grounds for the seizure.
FAQ: The Marinera Tanker Seizure
Q: How many Indians were on the seized Russian tanker?
A: Three Indian citizens were part of the 28-member crew, according to a Russian media report cited by officials.
Q: Why did the U.S. seize the ship?
A: The U.S. has not detailed its reasons publicly. Russia claims the U.S. action is linked to sanctions and a strategy concerning Venezuela, a claim Washington has not addressed.
Q: What is Russia demanding?
A: Russia is seeking the Marinera tanker’s immediate release, the safe return of its crew, and has labelled the act a breach of international maritime law.
Q: Has India responded?
A: As things stand, there is no official comment from Indian authorities on the status or well-being of its three nationals onboard.
