US remove tanker captain from UK waters as crew set to leave Scotland

January 27, 2026

US Coast Guards intercepted a Russian-flagged oil tanker called the Marinera south of Iceland on January 7th and subsequently sailed it to Scotland's Moray coast. American authorities accused the vessel of violating international sanctions by transporting oil for Venezuela, Russia, and Iran. The captain and first officer were transferred to a US Coast Guard ship and removed from UK territory, while the remaining 26 crew members from various countries requested voluntary departure from Britain.

Who is affected

Captain Avtandil Kalandadze and an unnamed first officer
26 remaining crew members from Russia, India, Georgia, and Ukraine
Natia Dzadzamia (the captain's wife)
Scottish First Minister John Swinney and the Scottish government
US Coast Guard personnel aboard the vessel Munro
Russian government and transport ministry
UK government authorities including the Crown Office and Scottish Ministers
Residents near Burghead and the Moray coast

What action is being taken

The US Coast Guard is holding the captain and first officer aboard the vessel Munro
Arrangements are being made to fly five crew members from Scotland to the US and the remainder to their home countries
The 26 crew members are requesting to leave the UK on a voluntary basis
The tanker Marinera is being held in the Moray Firth off Burghead

Why it matters

This incident highlights tensions surrounding enforcement of international sanctions against Russia, Venezuela, and Iran, particularly regarding Russia's "shadow fleet" of tankers allegedly used to evade restrictions. The case raises significant questions about international jurisdiction, sovereignty, and cooperation between allied nations. The operation has created diplomatic friction between the US, UK, and Russia, while also exposing internal tensions between Scottish and UK authorities regarding communication and coordination on matters of national security. The seizure demonstrates Western countries' increasing willingness to take direct action against vessels suspected of sanctions violations.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC