U.S. Seizes Venezuela-Linked Oil Tankers in Maritime Sanctions Crackdown
The US seizes Venezuela oil tankers in the Atlantic and Caribbean as authorities intensify maritime sanctions enforcement.
US authorities have taken control of two oil tankers linked to Venezuelan crude exports in separate operations, according to officials familiar with the actions. The seizures followed weeks of monitoring and tracking by US maritime and military forces.
Meanwhile, the operations mark a rare escalation in direct enforcement at sea as Washington tightens restrictions on Venezuela-related oil shipping.
Atlantic interception
US forces seized a Russian-flagged very large crude carrier after a pursuit lasting more than two weeks across the Atlantic Ocean.
The operation began near Venezuelan waters after an initial boarding attempt failed. However, US agencies continued to track the tanker across international shipping routes.
As a result, the US Coast Guard boarded and detained the vessel in the North Atlantic. The ship had previously changed both name and flag.
US officials said a federal court warrant authorised the seizure for violations linked to US sanctions on Venezuelan crude exports.
Russian officials criticised the action and described it as unlawful under international maritime law.
Caribbean operation
Meanwhile, US authorities also seized a second oil tanker in the Caribbean Sea during a separate interdiction.
The Panama-flagged vessel was operating without a valid nationality at the time of interception, according to US officials.
In addition, military footage indicated the tanker appeared laden with crude oil based on its draught.
Authorities said the vessel was engaged in illicit maritime activity connected to Venezuela oil shipping.
Sanctions enforcement impact
The US seizes Venezuela oil tankers as part of a broader maritime sanctions crackdown on crude shipping.
However, the actions increase legal and operational risks for tanker owners, operators and insurers involved in sanctioned trades.
As a result, vessels with opaque ownership structures or frequent flag changes may face heightened scrutiny across global shipping markets.
US authorities did not disclose the intended disposition of the seized tankers or their cargoes.
