By Charlotte Webster–
The United States is preparing to remove the captain and first officer of a Russian-flagged oil tanker from UK waters, a court has been told, in a move that underscores rising tensions over maritime security and sanctions enforcement.
During a hearing on Monday, lawyers said the action was expected to take place “imminently,” though limited details were disclosed about the precise grounds for the intervention or the destination of the two senior officers once removed. The vessel is currently operating under the Russian flag while in British waters.
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The case has drawn attention because of the unusual involvement of US authorities in matters unfolding within UK jurisdiction. Legal representatives told the court that the operation would be carried out in coordination with British officials, reflecting close cooperation between the two allies.
The development comes amid heightened scrutiny of Russian-linked shipping, particularly oil tankers, as Western governments seek to enforce sanctions and prevent evasion through maritime trade. Officials have increasingly focused on crews, ownership structures and compliance with international regulations.
In a late-night virtual hearing of the Court of Session, Lord Young rejected a request by lawyers for the captain’s wife to stop the US removing her husband from Scottish jurisdiction.
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The judge said in his ruling that the 1978 State Immunity Act meant he did not appear to have the power to make such an order against a foreign government.
Natia Dzadzama’s lawyers had argued that her husband, Avtandil Kalandadze, who is of Georgian nationality, should be protected by the Scottish courts and European human rights law.
Neither US nor UK authorities have publicly commented on the planned removals, and it remains unclear whether any criminal charges are anticipated. Further proceedings are expected as the situation develops.
Claire Mitchell, KC, for Dzadzama, said actions undertaken by the Americans indicated they were were preparing to move the captain and first officer.
She told the court: “They haven’t had access to solicitors. They haven’t had access to the outer world save for one message the captain was able to pass through to a third party.
“And we have concerns that if we don’t have this interim interdict granted this evening that they may be removed from the jurisdiction.”
Counsel for the UK government, Chris Pirie KC confirmed that 26 crew members had been brought ashore from the Marinera but that Kalandadze “has been transferred to a US Coast Guard vessel and that vessel is planning to depart imminently.”
The Scottish government’s lawyer, Dominic Scullion, said the captain and first officer may in fact already have left UK territorial waters although he added that he was “not sure”.
Contradictory reports about the whereabouts in Scotland of other crew members where presented before the courts, and whether or not they were in the custody of immigration officials.
The court heard they had been taken from the ship to Aberdeen Airport where they had been held under the 1971 Immigration Act.
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