JUST IN: The United States has seized two “ghost fleet” tanker ships including a Russian-flagged ...
Watch the Original
Engagement Metrics
About the Creator
Collin Rugg is a conservative commentator and independent journalist known for breaking news on X (formerly Twitter), often focusing on U.S. politics, national security, and anti-establishment narratives. His style is direct, dramatic, and patriotic, frequently amplifying stories that highlight American law enforcement actions. While popular among right-leaning audiences, his credibility stems from timely reporting corroborated by mainstream outlets, though he sometimes sensationalizes headlines.
What's This About?
The post details U.S. Coast Guard seizures of two 'ghost fleet' oil tankers, Motor Tanker Bella I (later renamed Marinera and Russian-flagged) and Motor Tanker Sophia, linked to Venezuela and suspected of evading sanctions as part of Russia's shadow fleet for illicit oil transport. The operations involved predawn boardings—one in the North Atlantic pursued for weeks by USCGC Munro through storms, and another near the Caribbean—announced by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Key themes include U.S. enforcement of sanctions against Russia, Iran, Venezuela, and groups like Hezbollah, amid broader efforts to disrupt shadow fleets violating international restrictions.
🔥Why It's Trending
This content is trending due to its recency on January 7, 2026, coinciding with the predawn operations and high-profile statements from Secretary Noem and U.S. commands. It taps into ongoing geopolitical tensions with Russia, Venezuela, and sanctions evasion, amplified by national security interests under a Trump administration context. The dramatic pursuit narrative and video footage shared widely boost viral engagement on social media.
💡Fun Facts
- 1The Bella I tanker evaded capture by changing its name to Marinera, repainting a Russian flag on its hull, and switching registries on December 31.
- 2USCGC Munro pursued the vessel across high seas through treacherous storms since December 21, highlighting Coast Guard heroism.
- 3These tankers are part of a 'shadow fleet' accused of transporting sanctioned oil for Russia, Iran, Venezuela, and even Hezbollah-linked cargo.
- 4Russian military vessels were reportedly nearby during the North Atlantic seizure, adding international tension.
- 5This marks recent U.S. seizures of multiple sanctioned tankers like Skipper and Centuries since December 10.
📚Read More
US seizes Russian-flagged oil tanker in North Atlantic and 2nd tanker
The U.S. Coast Guard seized the Marinera oil tanker, sources said.
U.S. Forces Seize Fleeing Russian-Flagged Oil Tanker In North Atlantic (Updated)
The tanker Marinera was boarded after a weekslong pursuit and after U.S. aviation assets had poured into the United Kingdom.
US seizes Russian-flagged oil tanker tied to Venezuela in coordinated raids
Two sanctioned oil tankers, Skipper and Centuries, have been seized by the Coast Guard since Dec. 10.
https://foxbaltimore.com/news/nation-world/us-begins-operation-to-seize-sanctioned-venezuela-linked-oil-tanker-bella-1-after-weeks-of-pursuit-reports-north-atlantic-caribbean-sea-russian-flag-shadow-fleet
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RpiwEgVJzuU
← Swipe to see more →
More Trending on Twitter
I hope my relationship with God continues to get better.
I hope my relationship with God continues to get better.
by Zion
I listen to the same music everyday, just in a different order.
I listen to the same music everyday, just in a different order.
by Zion
Changing your diet is number one. Eat real food. https://t.co/P3Q5juV2NO
Changing your diet is number one. Eat real food. https://t.co/P3Q5juV2NO
by WealthSquad♻️ Ashley J