Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said Wednesday that the U.S. seized two oil tankers linked to Venezuela.”In two predawn operations today, the Coast Guard conducted back-to-back meticulously coordinated boarding of two ‘ghost fleet’ tanker ships—one in the North Atlantic Sea and one in international waters near the Caribbean. Both vessels—the Motor Tanker Bella I and the Motor Taker [sic] Sophia—were either last docked in Venezuela or en route to it,” Noem posted on X.
“Under President Trump’s bold and visionary leadership, US Coast Guard tactical teams worked closely with its counterparts at the Departments of War, Department of Justice and State and used their specialized expertise to conduct these operations and conduct two safe, effective boardings within hours of each other,” she continued.
“One of these tankers, Motor Tanker Bella I, has been trying to evade the Coast Guard for weeks, even changing its flag and painting a new name on the hull while being pursued, in a desperate and failed attempt to escape justice. The heroic crew of the USCGC Munro pursued this vessel across the high seas and through treacherous storms—keeping diligent watch, and protecting our country with the determination and patriotism that make Americans proud. These brave men and women deserve our nation’s thanks for their selfless devotion to duty.”
Tanker Bella 1 was renamed the Marinera, with a crude Russian flag painted on its side, CNN reported.
The pursuit appeared to be an escalation in efforts by the U.S. to force Venezuelan dictator President Nicolas Madura to step down – before US. law enforcement and military captured him Friday night and brought him to the United States.
The Kremlin, which supports the Maduro regime, criticized what it called “disproportionate” U.S. attention on the Marinera.
The vessel was one of a number of sanctioned oil tankers operating near Venezuela that recently changed their flags to Russia.
