Summary
The United States plans to move the captain and first officer of a Russian-flagged oil tanker, Marinera, from UK waters. The vessel was seized by the U.S. Coast Guard for reportedly breaching sanctions by carrying oil for Venezuela, Russia, and Iran. A Scottish court heard legal arguments about the U.S. removing the captain and crew, but a judge ruled that he could not prevent it.
Key Facts
- The U.S. Coast Guard seized the Russian-flagged tanker Marinera south of Iceland on January 7.
- The ship was later brought to the Moray Firth, off the coast of Scotland.
- The U.S. plans to remove the captain, Avtandil Kalandadze, and the first officer from the vessel.
- A Scottish court rejected a request to stop the U.S. from moving the captain due to the 1978 State Immunity Act.
- The captain and first officer are believed to be on a U.S. Coast Guard vessel ready to depart.
- The remaining 26 crew members were reportedly brought ashore and possibly held under UK immigration laws.
- The U.S. accuses the tanker of violating sanctions related to carrying oil for Venezuela, Russia, and Iran.
- The UK government supported the U.S. operation, considering it lawful under international sanctions.
