by Mike Schuler at gCaptain
Back-to-back predawn raids signal escalation in U.S. crackdown on sanctioned “Ghost Fleet” tankers.
U.S. authorities have seized two sanctioned oil tankers in separate operations spanning the North Atlantic and Caribbean Sea, marking the most aggressive phase yet of Washington’s campaign against vessels accused of supporting illicit crude-oil networks linked to Venezuela.
Both ships had either recently departed Venezuela or were en route to the country, according to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
“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,” Noem said in a statement. “Both vessels—the Motor Tanker Bella I and the Motor Tanker Sophia—were either last docked in Venezuela or en route to it.”
Video of the seizures shared on social media shows U.S. forces descending onto the tankers’ decks by helicopter.
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… pic.twitter.com/EZlHEtcufX
— Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) January 7, 2026
U.S. European Command confirmed the capture of the M/T Marinera—formerly known as Bella 1—in the North Atlantic following weeks of pursuit by the Coast Guard cutter Munro. “The vessel was seized in the North Atlantic pursuant to a warrant issued by a U.S. federal court after being tracked by USCGC Munro,” the command said.
UK forces supported the operation by providing “pre-planned operational support, including basing.”
“RFA Tideforce provided support for U.S. forces pursuing and interdicting the Bella 1,…
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