Maritime trackers show the Marinera tanker travelling north east across the North Atlantic.

It is on course to pass the UK between Scotland and Iceland, and is believed to be heading to Russia, although its destination is unconfirmed.

US officials have reportedly said forces plan to intercept the Marinera following the country’s capture of Nicolas Maduro.

Two sources told CBS News on Tuesday that American forces plan to intercept the ship.

The US would prefer to seize the vessel rather than sink it, the broadcaster reported.

Russia’s foreign ministry said the ship was acting “in full compliance with the norms of international maritime law”.

Russia has reportedly sent a navy escort to join the Marinera oil tanker as it crosses the North Atlantic.

Tensions are high between Moscow and Washington after US forces captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro on Saturday. Russia, along with China, is an unconditional ally of the Venezuelan government.

Previously known as the Bella 1, the Marinera is one of a number of Venezuelan “shadow fleet” tankers operating against US and international sanctions.

It hastily painted on a Russian flag in an apparent bid for protection from Moscow following Mr Maduro’s capture on drugs charges.

Russian officials said the vessel is facing “increased and clearly disproportionate attention by the US and Nato military”.