It is reported that the US Coast Guard detained the mentioned tanker in the North Atlantic on January 7. Washington suspects the vessel of being involved in the illegal transportation of Venezuelan oil.
Marinera's crew consisted of Russian citizens as well as citizens of Ukraine, Georgia, and India. According to "Novaya Gazeta Europe," the tanker belongs to the Russian company "Burevestmarin." The company's owner, Ilya Bugay, previously lived in Crimea and later moved to Moscow.
According to Russian MFA official representative Maria Zakharova, Moscow appealed to Washington for the release of the Russians two days after the tanker was seized. Following that, the US administration made the relevant decision.
