Reports state that a Venezuela-linked oil tanker operating within the so-called “dark fleet” painted a Russian flag on its hull, altered its name, and reflagged to Russia, apparently aiming to evade the U.S. Coast Guard.

The vessel has since been observed off the coast of Ireland, with the U.S., U.K., France, and Ireland reportedly conducting aerial surveillance after it eluded a U.S. interception attempt in December, as reported.

An intelligence report from AI maritime analytics firm indicates that the tanker, previously named Bella 1, renamed itself Marinera and registered under the Russian flag after fleeing the area.

“The Venezuela-trading tanker Bella 1, which had gone off course, painted a Russian flag on its hull, changed its name, and reflagged to Russia mid-voyage last week to avoid capture by the U.S. Coast Guard in the Atlantic Ocean,” Windward stated.

Multiple reports noted on Tuesday that the vessel is now under U.S. military surveillance roughly 230 miles off the .

According to reports, U.S. P-8 surveillance aircraft have tracked the tanker near Ireland only in recent days.

reported that U.S. forces have been pursuing the vessel since December, as against Venezuelan oil shipments.

Intelligence sources revealed that Venezuela had considered placing military personnel disguised as civilians aboard oil tankers to assist the vessels in evading U.S. blockades, and that U.S. forces are likely preparing to intercept the tanker.

The pursuit of the vessel follows strikes in Venezuela under the Trump administration and the of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.

Maduro appeared in a New York court on Monday, where he pleaded not guilty to and referred to himself as a “prisoner of war.”

According to , Russia formally requested the U.S. to halt its pursuit of the vessel on Jan. 1.

Reuters reported, citing two individuals familiar with the matter, that Moscow made the diplomatic request as U.S. forces continued tracking the vessel in the Atlantic for nearly two weeks.

Reuters added that the request came as Trump simultaneously sought to broker a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine.

alleges the vessel previously transported millions of barrels of crude to China between 2021 and 2025.

“Bella 1, now known as Marinera, is not an isolated case,” Windward said.

The tanker has been under since June 2024, accused of transporting illicit oil cargoes linked to a Hezbollah-connected company.

“This very large crude carrier is joining a growing number of Western-sanctioned tankers seeking protection under Russia’s national flag,” the firm added.

“Over the past six months, a dozen or more of the world’s most obscure tankers have switched from open registries to Russia. This trend accelerated in December as the flag state became a crucial shield against drone strikes and vessel seizures.”

Windward also identified two additional Western-sanctioned tankers currently in Venezuelan waters that have reflagged to Russia in recent days to prevent U.S. naval interception.

The tanker Hyperion departed Venezuela on Jan. 1 flying the Russian flag, while Premier signaled via AIS that it changed its flag from Gambia to Russia on Dec. 22.

“Premier remains at the José Terminal in Venezuela,” Windward said.

Digital has reached out to the U.S. Coast Guard and the White House for comment.