The United States plans to prosecute the captain and first officer of a Russian-flagged tanker seized in the North Atlantic for allegedly breaching US sanctions.

The vessel, the Marinera (formerly Bella 1), was intercepted south of Iceland and escorted to Scotland, where the two officers were taken into US custody and will be transferred to the United States.

The remaining 26 crew members have been released and are being repatriated under UK immigration procedures.

The seizure has caused political tension in Scotland, with some leaders raising concerns about sovereignty and legal authority, despite UK government support for the operation, the BBC has reported.

The US and UK say they are coordinating closely on the case, while Russia has condemned the seizure and demanded the crew be treated properly.