The United States has seized an oil tanker linked to Venezuela after tracking the vessel across the Atlantic, in a move that underscores Washington’s tightening enforcement of sanctions against illicit oil trading networks tied to Caracas.
According to the U.S. European Command, the tanker—originally known as Bella 1—was intercepted following weeks of surveillance. The vessel had been sanctioned by the United States in 2024 for operating as part of a so-called “shadow fleet” allegedly used to transport Venezuelan oil in violation of international sanctions.
Reuters first reported the seizure on Wednesday, citing sources who said the operation involved the U.S. Coast Guard and elements of the U.S. military. In a related development, the U.S. Southern Command announced the seizure of another vessel in the Caribbean, describing it as stateless and accused of engaging in illicit activities.
U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem welcomed the actions, describing them as part of a broader effort to disrupt criminal networks and cut off funding linked to narco-terrorism. “The world’s criminals are on notice,” she said, adding that the United States would continue to pursue sanctioned actors wherever they operate.
U.S. authorities had attempted to seize the Venezuela-linked tanker last month while it was near Venezuelan waters, but the operation failed after the ship evaded boarding and fled into the Atlantic. The vessel was subsequently tracked as it headed northeast, with U.S. P-8 surveillance aircraft deployed from RAF Mildenhall in the United Kingdom to monitor its movements.
During the pursuit, the crew reportedly painted a Russian flag on the tanker’s hull and claimed it was operating under Russian protection. The vessel later appeared on Russia’s official ship registry under a new name, Marinera. Moscow subsequently lodged a diplomatic protest, demanding that the United States halt its pursuit.
Despite the claim, U.S. officials said Washington does not recognise the tanker’s Russian status and considers it effectively stateless, a designation that clears the way for enforcement action under U.S. and international maritime law.
Ahead of the seizure, the United States repositioned several military assets to the UK, including transport aircraft and special operations platforms, according to open-source flight data and prior CNN reporting. U.S. officials say such deployments are consistent with ongoing efforts to enforce sanctions and interdict illicit oil shipments.
The seizure follows President Donald Trump’s recent declaration of a “complete blockade” on sanctioned oil tankers attempting to enter or leave Venezuela. The policy, U.S. officials say, is designed to increase pressure on Caracas following the removal of former president Nicolás Maduro and to serve as leverage over Venezuela’s interim authorities.
Washington has indicated it will continue to aggressively enforce the blockade, signalling that further interceptions of vessels linked to Venezuelan oil exports remain likely in the weeks ahead.
