3 Indians among crew of Russian oil tanker seized by US in North Atlantic

Moscow: Russia has said three Indian nationals are among the crew of a Russian oil tanker seized by the United States, as Moscow accused Washington of violating international maritime law and displaying “neo-colonialist tendencies”.

Local media reported that the tanker Marinera, earlier known as Bella 1, has a multinational crew.

“The Marinera crew consists of 17 Ukrainian citizens, six Georgian citizens, three Indian citizens and two Russian citizens,” Russia Today said, quoting sources.

The Russian Foreign Ministry said the vessel was seized on Wednesday by the US Coast Guard in the North Atlantic and that Washington had been repeatedly informed about the ship’s status.

“We call on Washington to resume compliance with the fundamental norms and principles of international maritime navigation and immediately cease its illegal actions against the Marinera tanker and other vessels engaged in law-abiding activities on the high seas,” the ministry said in a statement.

Sanctions claim rejected

Moscow dismissed US references to its national sanctions regime as baseless.

“Moscow said it considers the US references to its national ‘sanctions legislation’ to be unfounded.”

The ministry also criticised comments by US officials linking the seizure to wider strategic goals.

“The statements by some US officials that the seizure of the Marinera is part of a broader strategy to establish Washington's unlimited control over Venezuela's natural resources are extremely cynical. We strongly reject such neo-colonialist tendencies,” it said.

‘Unilateral measures illegitimate’

Russia said unilateral sanctions cannot justify action against civilian vessels.

“Unilateral restrictive measures by the US, as well as other Western countries, are illegitimate and cannot justify attempts to establish jurisdiction and, even more so, to seize ships on the high seas,” the statement said.

Treatment of crew

Moscow demanded humane treatment of those on board, including Russian nationals.

“We reiterate our demand that the US ensure humane and dignified treatment of the Russian citizens comprising the tanker's crew, strictly observe their rights and interests, and make no obstacles to their prompt return to their homeland,” it said.

Concerns over use of force

The Foreign Ministry said it was seriously concerned about the possible use of military force during the operation and stressed that full information about the tanker had been shared with Washington.

“The Marinera, which on December 24 received temporary permission to sail under the Russian flag in accordance with the international law and Russian legislation, was peacefully transiting international waters in the North Atlantic, heading for one of Russia's ports,” it said.

Prior protests to Washington

Russia said the US had been repeatedly informed about the ship’s Russian origin and civilian status.

“Russia did not give consent to these actions. On the contrary, it lodged an official protest with the US government regarding the pursuit of the Marinera by a US Coast Guard vessel over the past several weeks, insisting on the immediate cessation of these activities and the withdrawal of the unlawful demands made on the Russian ship's captain,” the ministry said.

‘Gross violation of maritime law’

Under the circumstances, Moscow said the boarding and seizure were unlawful.

“Under these circumstances, US military personnel boarding a civilian vessel on the high seas and effectively seizing it, as well as capturing its crew, can only be viewed as a gross violation of the basic principles and norms of international maritime law and freedom of navigation,” the Russian Foreign Ministry said.