The US is tracking the oil tanker Bella 1 after it ignored a Coast Guard interdiction and sailed into international waters. Officials are considering sending a specialized Maritime Special Response Team to forcibly board the reportedly empty vessel, which the White House calls part of a sanctioned "dark fleet." The chase is part of a broader US effort to curb Venezuelan oil revenue; two other tankers were already intercepted and escorted to Texas for planned seizure of their cargoes.
US Weighs Sending Specialized Boarding Team After Oil Tanker Flees Venezuelan Waters
A U.S. Coast Guard helicopter flies over Rafael Hernandez Airport in Aguadilla amid ongoing military movements in Puerto Rico, December 19, 2025. - Eva Marie Uzcategui/Reuters
The United States continues to pursue the oil tanker Bella 1, which evaded a Coast Guard interdiction and steamed into international waters off Venezuela. Officials say they are considering deploying a specialized Maritime Special Response Team to board the vessel if authorities decide to move forward with a forced seizure.
What Happened
When Coast Guard personnel attempted to interdict the Bella 1 last weekend, the ship did not stop. Instead, it executed a U‑turn and sailed into the Atlantic, where it has been tracked by US Navy and Coast Guard units. Officials believe the tanker is currently empty and unlikely to return to Venezuelan ports to load oil.
Why the US Is Involved
The White House has labeled the Bella 1 part of a sanctioned "dark fleet" operating under a false flag. US officials say a judicial order exists that would permit seizure of the vessel and that links have been drawn between the ship and sanctioned Iranian oil shipments and proxy networks.
Broader Context
The pursuit is tied to a wider US effort, directed by President Donald Trump, to choke off oil revenue to the Maduro government in Venezuela. The administration has ordered an expanded military presence in the Caribbean, but officials say they have so far refrained from authorizing land strikes.
Other Interceptions
The Coast Guard previously intercepted two other tankers, the Skipper and the Centuries. Both were escorted to Texas, and US authorities plan to seize their oil cargoes under sanctions enforcement actions.
What Comes Next
Officials say they are weighing options, including the deployment of a Maritime Special Response Team with experience boarding noncompliant vessels. At the same time, sources cautioned that the administration could decide to discontinue a seizure attempt. For now, enforcing restrictions on sanctioned Venezuelan oil shipments remains the stated priority.
Note: Details are based on official statements and people familiar with the matter; some aspects of the operation remain fluid.
