Georgia to seek facts after U.S. seizure of Russian‑flagged oil tanker

Georgia has said it will clarify the circumstances surrounding the U.S. seizure of a Russian‑flagged oil tanker in the North Atlantic and is seeking information on its Georgian crew members.

Officials said six Georgian citizens were among the 28 crew aboard the tanker Marinera, including one reportedly serving as the vessel’s captain. The Maritime Transport Agency said it is investigating the company that employed the ship and gathering further details about the Georgian crew.

The Marinera was seized by U.S. forces on 7 January for alleged violations of U.S. sanctions, including transporting oil in breach of restrictions linked to Venezuela. Authorities said the vessel had been pursued for weeks in the Atlantic before being intercepted.

U.S. officials described the tanker as part of a “shadow fleet” engaged in sanction evasion and said it was considered stateless after sailing under a false flag, forming the legal basis for its seizure under a U.S. federal court order.

• U.S. seizes Venezuela-linked, Russian-flagged oil tanker, Russia responds

Russia criticised the seizure as a breach of international maritime law, noting the vessel had temporary Russian registration and calling for the humane treatment and return of crew members.

The crew of the Marinera reportedly included citizens of Ukraine, Georgia, India and Russia, reflecting the diverse nationalities on board at the time of interception.

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