US aircraft monitor tanker off Ireland that tried to evade Venezuela blockade

Ship changed its name and registered in Russia in apparent attempt to prevent possible US seizure near British Isles

President Donald Trump waves as he arrives on Air Force One,at Joint Base Andrews, Md. Picture: Alex Brandon/AP

A hastily reflagged oil tanker 250 miles off the coast of Ireland is under US military surveillance after it evaded capture in the Caribbean Sea in December, changed its name and switched course towards northern Russia.

Bella 1 changed its name to the Marinera, registered in Russia, and its crew painted a crude Russian flag on the side in an apparent attempt to prevent a possible US seizure near the British Isles.