The Maritime Transport Agency has responded to information disseminated by Russian media, according to which 6 crew members of the Russian-flagged oil tanker seized by the US, including the captain, are Georgian citizens.

As noted in the agency’s information, they are clarifying the factual circumstances, identifying the company employing the ship, and searching for information about the Georgian crew members.

“According to open sources, the crew of the tanker “Marinera” seized by the US in the Atlantic Ocean on January 7, 2026 includes 28 sailors, including 6 citizens of Georgia, one of whom, according to reports, is the ship’s captain. The crew also includes 20 citizens of Ukraine and 2 citizens of the Russian Federation.

According to available information, the tanker in question was detained by the US on charges of possible violation of international sanctions imposed on Venezuela.

The LEPL Maritime Transport Agency is currently clarifying the factual circumstances, including identifying the company employing the vessel and seeking information about the Georgian crew members,” the statement reads.

For information, according to information disseminated by Russian media, the captain of the Russian-flagged oil tanker detained by the US is a Georgian citizen. According to them, the crew of the oil tanker consists of 28 people, of which 20 are Ukrainian citizens, 6, including the captain, are Georgian citizens, and 2 are Russian citizens.

The US detained a Russian-flagged oil tanker linked to Venezuela in the Atlantic Ocean on January 7.