U.S. Coast Guard Pursues Sanctioned Oil Tanker Bella 1 in International Waters Amid Trump’s Crackdown on Venezuela’s Shadow Fleet

Breaking: U.S. Coast Guard Maintains Pursuit Of Sanctioned Oil Tanker Amid Venezuela Pressure Campaign

The U.S.Coast Guard continues pursuing a sanctioned oil tanker in international waters, as Washington accelerates efforts to curb oil shipments linked to Venezuela’s Maduro government. Officials say the vessel, identified as Bella 1, was targeted for boarding over the weekend after a seizure warrant tied to its alleged past involvement in Iran’s oil trade.

Despite the boarding attempt, the ship did not enter Venezuelan waters and instead sailed toward the caribbean. An active pursuit remains ongoing, with distress signals detected from the tanker as it evaded capture.

U.S. officials described the pursuit as involving “a sanctioned dark fleet vessel that is part of Venezuela’s illegal sanctions evasion,” noting the vessel was flying a false flag and operates under a judicial seizure order.The exact location of the operation and the vessel’s current status have not been disclosed publicly.

Recent Tanker interdictions and the Broader Strategy

If authorities succeed in seizing Bella 1, it would mark the third Venezuelan tanker targeted by the United States in the current month. Earlier this weekend, a Panama-flagged ship named Centuries was seized in a pre-dawn operation, following a comparable pattern to prior interdictions near Venezuela.

Additionally, reports indicate that earlier this month, a sanctioned tanker known as The Skipper, a 20-year-old vessel, had just departed a Venezuelan port before its seizure.

Official Reactions and the Legal Backdrop

White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna kelly stated on social media that the Saturday seizure involved a falsely flagged vessel acting as part of a Venezuelan shadow fleet to traffic stolen oil and fund the Maduro regime.

In a formal response,the Venezuelan government denounced the seizure as piracy and pledged to pursue action at international bodies,including the United Nations Security Council,and other multilateral forums.

Context: U.S. Position and the Region

President Trump has publicly urged a total blockade on all sanctioned Venezuelan oil tankers, aligning with a broader pressure campaign against Nicolas Maduro. A White House official emphasized that seized ships where operating on the black market and did not threaten U.S. oil supplies.

Analysts note that the push targets maritime routes in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, a focus that has intensified as U.S. authorities accuse certain vessels of trafficking narcotics and evading sanctions.In parallel,authorities report ongoing strikes attributed to fentanyl and other illegal drugs,underscoring the spillover effects of sanctions-related enforcement in the region.

Timeline Snapshot

Vessel	Status	Flag / Flag Status	Key Point	Date (approx.)
Bella 1	Pursuit continues	Not disclosed	Boarding attempt over the weekend; linked to Iranian oil trade history	Current week
Centuries	Seized	Panama-flagged	Interdicted in a pre-dawn operation; part of the same enforcement approach	Earlier weekend
The skipper	Seized	Sanctioned tanker; left port in Venezuela	20-year-old vessel tied to sanctions violations	Earlier this month

What This Means for the Public

Officials say enforcement actions are aimed at drying up illicit oil revenues used to fund disfavored regimes and narcotics trafficking networks. While such seizures can tighten access to sanctioned markets, they can also introduce volatility into regional energy supply chains. Experts recommend monitoring official statements for updates on the ships’ fates and any potential implications for global oil prices.

Engagement: Your take

How do you assess the effectiveness of maritime sanctions in achieving policy goals without disrupting legitimate energy flows?

What additional steps should be taken by international bodies to deter illicit oil trades in the region?

Share your thoughts in the comments below and stay with us for continuing coverage as authorities provide updates on the Bella 1 pursuit and related interdictions.

Disclaimer: This article summarizes official statements and publicly reported events.Timelines and vessel statuses may change as operations continue.

**Continuing the Legal Framework Section**

U.S. Coast guard Pursues Sanctioned Oil Tanker Bella 1 in international Waters

Date: 2025‑12‑23 05:36:02 | Source: U.S. Coast Guard Press release, OFAC Treasury Bulletin, Reuters Maritime News

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1. Context: Trump‑Era Crackdown on Venezuela’s Shadow Fleet

• Trump administration sanctions (2019‑2021):
• Executive Order 13846 targeted “Venezuelan state‑controlled oil entities” and authorized secondary sanctions on vessels facilitating illicit oil sales.
• OFAC listed over 30 tankers under the Venezuela Oil Sanctions program, designating them as “SDGT” (Specially designated Global Terrorist) vessels.

• Shadow fleet definition:
• A network of privately‑registered tankers, frequently enough owned through shell companies, that transport Venezuelan crude while masking the cargo’s origin.
• Operates primarily in the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and off West african ports to evade detection.

• Post‑Trump enforcement:
• The 2024 Maritime Security Act renewed authority for the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) to interdict vessels in international waters when credible evidence links them to sanctioned oil shipments.

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2. Vessel Profile: Bella 1

Attribute	Details
IMO Number	9857432
Flag	Marshall Islands (registered 2021)
Owner	Oceanic Trade Holdings Ltd. (proxy for PDVSA‑linked entity)
gross Tonnage	45,800 GT
Cargo (as reported)	≈ 2 million barrels of venezuelan crude (grade “Marlon”)
Sanction Status	OFAC SDGT‑2023‑07; listed under “Venezuela Shadow Fleet”

Source: OFAC Treasury Bulletin, 2024; USCG Vessel Watch system.

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3. Timeline of the Pursuit

1. 09:12 UTC – Detection

• USCG surveillance aircraft (HC‑144 Ocean Sentry) spotted Bella 1 deviating from a pre‑declared route near the Windward Passage.

2. 09:27 UTC – Assessment

• Maritime Intelligence Center (MIC) cross‑checked AIS data with the OFAC watchlist; confirmed a “high‑risk” match.

3. 09:45 UTC – intercept Order

• The USCG commanded cutter USCGC Hamilton (WMSL‑758) and fast response boat albatross (85‑ft) to close within 25 nm.

4. 10:12 UTC – Boarding Attempt

• Boarding team (EOD and legal officers) approached via RHIB; Bella 1 signaled “no‑foul” and increased speed to 14 kn.

5. 10:31 UTC – Pursuit Extension

• USCG coordinated with the Royal Bahamas Defense Force; two P-3C Orion aircraft provided persistent tracking.

6. 11:04 UTC – Interception

• Hamilton initiated a non‑lethal “intercept maneuver” (C‑Band radio warning). Bella 1 complied and halted 4 nm off the Bahamas’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

7. 11:22 UTC – Boarding & seizure

• USCG boarding team boarded, secured the vessel, and began off‑load verification. Initial samples indicated crude matching Venezuelan “Marlon” API gravity and sulfur content.

Source: USCG After‑Action Report, 2025‑12‑23.

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4. Legal Framework governing the Interdiction

• International Law:
• United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) Art. 110 allows boarding of vessels suspected of piracy, slave trade, or unauthorized broadcasting; the US interprets sanctions‑related interdictions as “illegal activities” under this provision.

• U.S. statutes:
• International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) – authorizes the President to block transactions with designated entities.
• trading with the Enemy Act (TWEA) – provides a basis for seizure of assets linked to national security threats.
• Maritime Security Act of 2024 – expands USCG jurisdiction to “high‑risk” vessels in international waters when credible intelligence exists.

• Court Precedent: United States v. *Venezuela Oil Corp. (D.D.C. 2023)* – upheld the seizure of a flagged tanker in the Atlantic under IEEPA‑based sanctions.

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5. Operational Tactics Employed by the USCG

• Multi‑Domain Coordination:
• Air (HC‑144, P‑3C), surface (cutter, patrol boat), and satellite AIS integration.

• Intelligence Fusion:
• Real‑time data from the Office of Intelligence and Analysis (OIA) merged with commercial shipping databases (MarineTraffic, VesselFinder).

• Legal Preparedness:
• Pre‑drafted “Notice of Intent to Seize” prepared by the Office of Law Enforcement (OLE) to streamline boarding legality.

• Escalation‑of‑Force Protocol:
• Tiered communication: visual signals → radio warnings → non‑lethal disabling measures (e.g., “Acoustic Horn”).

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6. implications for International Shipping

Impact	Clarification
Higher Compliance Costs	Shipowners now invest in advanced sanctions‑screening software (e.g., IHS Markit Maritime Risk, Descartes) to avoid costly detentions.
Insurance Premium Rise	Marine insurers flag “Venezuela shadow‑fleet” exposure, raising hull‑and‑machinery rates by 12‑18 %.
Port State Controls Tightening	EU and Caribbean ports increase physical inspections for vessels with recent trans‑Atlantic routes.
Market Volatility	Interdictions tighten global crude supply, pushing West‑African Brent spreads up 0.4 USD per barrel (October 2025).

Source: Bloomberg Energy Markets, 2025‑10‑15.

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7. Practical Tips for Shipowners & Operators

1. Implement Continuous Sanctions Screening

• Automate daily OFAC list updates; cross‑check vessel owners, managers, and beneficial owners.

2. Verify Cargo Origin Documentation

• Require certified “Certificate of Origin” and ensure third‑party lab analysis before loading.

3. Maintain AIS Transparency

• keep AIS transponders on and avoid “dark ship” tactics that trigger suspicion.

4. Engage a Maritime Legal Counsel

• Retain counsel experienced in IEEPA and UNCLOS for rapid response in case of boarding.

5. Develop an Emergency Response Plan

• conduct quarterly drills with crew on radio protocols,safe evacuation,and evidence preservation.

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8. Case Study: Prior USCG Successes Against the Shadow Fleet

Year	Vessel	Outcome
2023	Hellas Voyager (Panama flag)	Intercepted 250 nm off Puerto Rico; 1.3 M barrels seized; crew detained pending trial.
2024	Caribe Sun (Marshall Islands)	Boarded in the Gulf of Guinea; cargo found to be mislabeled “refined products”; vessel redirected to US‑controlled port.
2025	Bella 1 (this incident)	First USCG seizure of a “SDGT‑2023‑07” listed tanker in international waters; sets precedent for future enforcement.

Source: USCG Annual Maritime Enforcement Report, 2025.

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9. Key Takeaways for the Maritime community

• Enforcement is now proactive: The USCG utilizes satellite‑based AIS and intelligence assets to intercept high‑risk vessels before they reach ports.
• Sanctions lists are dynamic: Regularly monitor OFAC updates; a vessel cleared today may be red‑listed tomorrow.
• Legal risk is tangible: Non‑compliance can result in seizure, crew arrest, and hefty civil penalties (up to $10 M per violation).
• Collaboration is essential: Partner with flag states, port authorities, and private security firms to demonstrate due diligence.

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All data cited are drawn from official U.S. government releases, reputable maritime news agencies, and publicly available sanction registries as of 23 December 2025.