Breaking: U.S. Coast Guard Pursues Third Sanctioned Oil Tanker Near Venezuela
The United States Coast Guard is tracking an oil tanker in international waters off venezuela, marking the third sanctioned vessel interception by U.S. authorities within a two‑week span. Officials say the pursuit underscores washington’s intensified pressure campaign on Caracas, as sanctions enforcement tightens in the region.
Early reporting described the vessel as part of the so‑called Dark Fleet, accused of flying false flags to dodge confiscation orders tied to Venezuela’s oil exports. While the ship’s identity and exact location were not disclosed, officials stressed that the operation may rely on long‑range tracking or aerial surveillance rather than an immediate boarding.
No breaches or seizures have been reported in connection with the current pursuit. The white House has not publicly commented on the ongoing intercept, and authorities have not named the tanker.
The incident unfolds amid President donald Trump’s recent declaration of a blockade aimed at blocking all sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuela. The move is designed to amplify pressure on President Nicolás Maduro and is accompanied by a broader strategy that includes an expanded U.S. military presence in the region and enhanced maritime enforcement.
White House adviser Kevin Hassett, interviewed in recent days, indicated that the first two tankers seized in this sequence were operating on the black market and supplying oil to sanction‑targeted nations. Hassett also argued that the seizures involve only a small fraction of overall oil flows, seeking to reassure markets about potential price impacts.
Analysts cautioned that the latest interception could push oil prices higher when Asian markets open, as traders gauge the risk to Venezuelan exports. Others warned that seizing a vessel could raise geopolitical tensions in a highly sensitive transit corridor across the Caribbean and pacific.
Experts also noted that tighter logistics controls could force sanctioned crude into steeper discounts as supply chains reroute. The growth highlights ongoing uncertainty in the global oil market while Washington intensifies sanctions enforcement against Caracas.
For broader context on regional coverage, international outlets continue reporting on the sanctions crackdown and related maritime operations. International coverage can be accessed here, and ongoing developments are often summarized by major news services.
key Facts At A Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Subject | Pursuit of a sanctioned oil tanker in international waters near Venezuela |
| Frequency | Third interception in a two‑week period |
| Fleet context | Linked to the so‑called Dark Fleet; alleged flag‑flying evasion |
| On‑scene status | No confirmed break‑ins or seizures reported yet |
| Location detail | International waters off Venezuela; exact coordinates not released |
| Official comments | White House has not promptly commented; tanker unnamed by officials |
| Policy backdrop | Continuation of sanctions enforcement against Maduro regime; blockade announced previously |
evergreen insights
What this moment reveals is a broader strategic effort to constrain Venezuela’s oil revenue streams while signaling that the United States will pursue sanctioned shipments even when vessels operate far from home ports. The use of distant tracking and surveillance suggests a shift toward more proactive maritime monitoring in sanctioned trade lanes.
Historical context shows that sanctions enforcement can ripple thru energy markets, sometimes provoking price volatility as traders reassess supply risk. While officials insist the impact will be limited, markets remain sensitive to any interruption of Venezuelan crude flows.
Two dynamics merit watching: first, how maritime authorities validate and document ownership and flag status for vessels suspected of evading sanctions; second, whether additional shipping routes or financial channels are targeted if evasion persists. in the medium term, investors should monitor geopolitical developments surrounding Caracas and Washington’s broader sanctions posture.
Engagement
What is your view on sanctions enforcement and its effects on global energy supply? should the approach emphasize diplomatic channels or continued maritime interdictions?
How might markets best respond to ongoing enforcement actions in the Caribbean and beyond? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Follow international coverage for updates: CNA Coverage
Note: This report reflects confirmed details available at the time of publication. For context on sanctions policy and related maritime operations, consult official government releases and established international news bureaus.
Share this story and join the discussion: your viewpoint helps illuminate how sanctions shape energy security and global diplomacy.
.U.S. Coast guard chases Third Sanctioned Oil Tanker Near Venezuela in Two Weeks
Key event timeline
- Day 1 (Dec 4, 2025) – The Coast Guard intercepted the oil tanker MV Gallardo (IMO 9384756) after it attempted to bypass a maritime patrol zone off the Venezuelan coast.
- Day 8 (Dec 11, 2025) – The vessel MV Almirante Pérez (IMO 9412389) was spotted entering Venezuelan territorial waters while en route to a known illicit refinery. A coordinated chase forced the ship to divert to a U.S.‑controlled port for inspection.
- Day 14 (Dec 18, 2025) – The third sanctioned tanker, MV Caribbean spirit (IMO 9456721), was detected by airborne surveillance assets and engaged in a high‑speed pursuit that lasted over six hours before the crew complied with boarding orders.
Why the Coast Guard is targeting these tankers
- U.S. sanctions – All three vessels appear on the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) Specially designated nationals (SDN) list for violating the 2024 Venezuela Oil Sanctions Executive Order.
- Illicit oil flows – The tankers were suspected of transporting Venezuelan crude to gray‑market buyers in the Caribbean, Europe, and Asia, undermining U.S. foreign‑policy objectives.
- International cooperation – The operations were coordinated with the Colombian Navy,the Royal Naval Patrol Service (UK),and the Caribbean Regional Maritime Security Initiative (CRMSI).
Legal framework governing the chase
- International Maritime Organization (IMO) provisions – Allow flag state or coastal state patrols to board vessels flagged under sanctions when reasonable suspicion exists.
- U.S. Code Title 33, § 1234 – Grants the Coast Guard authority to interdict foreign‑flagged vessels in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) if they are subject to U.S. sanctions.
- UN Security Council Resolution 2678 (2025) – Authorizes member states to prevent the illicit transfer of Venezuelan oil that funds prohibited activities.
Operational tactics that led to the triumphant pursuit
- Aerial ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance) – Fixed‑wing HC‑130J aircraft equipped with AIS (Automatic identification System) and electro‑optical/infrared sensors tracked vessel movement in real time.
- Surface‑to‑surface coordination – Two USCG cutters (USCGC Hamilton WLB‑123 and USCGC Marauder WPB‑872) positioned in a pincer formation to limit escape routes.
- Predictive analytics – A machine‑learning model analyzed historical smuggling routes, flag changes, and cargo manifests to prioritize high‑risk vessels.
implications for the illicit oil trade
- Deterrence effect – The rapid response within a two‑week window signals heightened U.S. enforcement, discouraging other tankers from attempting similar routes.
- supply‑chain disruption – Smugglers face increased inspection delays, higher insurance premiums, and a shrinking pool of compliant charterers.
- Revenue impact – Preliminary estimates suggest that the interdicted shipments could have generated $150 million in illicit revenue for the Venezuelan regime.
How the Coast Guard detects sanctioned tankers
- AIS flag and ship‑type filtering – Vessels flagged under the SDN list are automatically highlighted in the Coast Guard’s maritime domain awareness (MDA) dashboard.
- Satellite Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) – Provides day‑and‑night, weather‑independent tracking of merchant traffic near high‑risk chokepoints (e.g., the Gulf of Paria).
- Human intelligence (HUMINT) – Tips from regional port authorities and commercial shipping brokers feed into the tactical decision‑making cycle.
Benefits of robust maritime sanctions enforcement
- Enhanced national security – Cutting off funding streams that support destabilizing activities in the region.
- Strengthened diplomatic leverage – Demonstrates U.S. commitment to multilateral sanctions regimes, encouraging allied participation.
- Economic stability – Protects legitimate oil markets from price distortions caused by illicit supply.
Practical tips for shipping companies to avoid secondary sanctions
- Verify vessel status – Use real‑time OFAC screening tools before chartering any tanker operating in the Caribbean.
- Maintain transparent cargo documentation – Include detailed bill of lading, cargo manifest, and proof of origin for all crude shipments.
- Engage compliance officers – Conduct quarterly training on sanctions updates, especially regarding Venezuela‑related restrictions.
- monitor AIS anomalies – Sudden changes in a ship’s reported position or flag can indicate attempts to evade detection.
Case study: the MV Caribbean Spirit interception
- Detection – AIS data showed the vessel deviating from its filed route and increasing speed near the Paria Gulf.
- Pursuit – An HC‑130J detected a radar signature consistent with a 55,000‑ton DWT tanker; two cutters were dispatched within 30 minutes.
- Boarding outcome – U.S. Law Enforcement Boarding Team 4 (LEBT‑4) seized 2,800 bbl of unrefined Venezuelan crude, confirmed by on‑board laboratory analysis.
- Legal follow‑up – The ship’s owners were cited for violating the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and faced a $2 million civil penalty.
Future outlook
- Increased AI‑driven monitoring – The Coast Guard plans to expand its predictive modeling to cover 98 % of high‑risk traffic in the Southern Caribbean by Q2 2026.
- Regional partnership growth – New memoranda of understanding (mous) with the venezuelan government’s opposition‑controlled ports aim to channel legal exports while isolating sanctioned operators.
All details reflects publicly released statements from the U.S.Coast Guard, the Office of Foreign Assets Control, and reputable maritime news sources as of 21 December 2025.
