← NewsAll
U.S. forces seize 'ghost tanker' carrying Venezuelan oil.
Summary
U.S. forces boarded and seized the Motor/Tanker Olina in the Caribbean, officials said, and the U.S. Coast Guard will take possession under U.S. and international law.
Content
U.S. forces boarded and seized a so-called "ghost tanker" in the Caribbean on Friday, officials reported. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and U.S. Southern Command released video and public statements about the operation. U.S. records identified the vessel as the Motor/Tanker Olina, previously named Minerva M, and reported it had been sanctioned for moving Russian oil and running dark. Officials said the U.S. Coast Guard will take possession of sanctioned tankers under U.S. and international law.
Known details:
- U.S. forces boarded and seized the Motor/Tanker Olina in the Caribbean, officials said.
- DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and U.S. Southern Command published video and statements about the operation.
- U.S. records show the vessel was previously named Minerva M, had been sanctioned for moving Russian oil, and was reported to have been running dark since November.
- Officials said the U.S. Coast Guard will take possession of the seized tanker under U.S. and international law.
Summary:
This action is described by officials as part of ongoing efforts to enforce sanctions on oil shipments to and from Venezuela. The Coast Guard is to take possession of the Olina under U.S. and international law. Further disposition of the vessel and any cargo is undetermined at this time.
