US Coast Guard Pursues Third Venezuela-Linked Tanker Amid Seizures and Sanctions
The US Coast Guard is actively pursuing a third tanker linked to Venezuela in international waters near the country, according to an official who spoke with CBS News. This pursuit follows the recent US seizure of two oil tankers this month, including one on a Saturday.
The tanker chased on Sunday is connected to a sanctioned 'dark fleet' vessel alleged to be violating Venezuela sanctions, flying a false flag, and currently under a judicial seizure order. US authorities accuse Venezuela of using oil revenues from such shipments to fund drug-related crime. Conversely, Venezuela has condemned the tanker seizures, calling them acts of theft and kidnapping.
In response to ongoing sanctions enforcement, President Donald Trump last week ordered a blockade on sanctioned oil tankers entering and exiting the United States. Venezuela has announced plans to file complaints with the UN Security Council and other international organizations and governments.
Data from TankersTracker.com reveals that, as of the previous week, more than 30 out of 80 ships in or approaching Venezuelan waters were under US sanctions. The tanker seized on the recent Saturday was Panamanian-flagged and boarded by a specialized tactical team in international waters. Although it was not listed on the US Treasury sanctions list, the ship was reported to be carrying sanctioned PDVSA oil and had previously sailed under Greek and Liberian flags.
