U.S. seizing Olina tanker near Trinidad, officials say

U.S. officials said they are in the process of seizing the tanker Olina near Trinidad; authorities described it as the fifth interdiction in recent weeks linked to vessels associated with Venezuelan oil shipments.

U.S. officials said they are in the process of seizing the oil tanker Olina in the Caribbean near Trinidad. The action is reported to be the fifth such interdiction in recent weeks as part of efforts to control shipments tied to Venezuela. Public tracking data and an industry source said the vessel had sailed from Venezuela and was reportedly flying the Timor Leste flag. The ship was previously sanctioned under the name Minerva M, according to public records. Known details: - U.S. officials reported the Olina is being seized in the Caribbean near Trinidad. - Authorities described this as the fifth tanker interdiction in recent weeks linked to shipments associated with Venezuela. - Public shipping data and an industry source said the vessel had sailed from Venezuela and was reportedly flying the Timor Leste flag. - The vessel was previously sanctioned under the name Minerva M and officials did not announce next legal or procedural steps. Summary: The reported seizure is part of a series of U.S. actions aimed at limiting distribution of Venezuelan oil through interdictions and sanctions. Next legal or procedural steps were not specified by officials, and are undetermined at this time.