Fifth Ship Seized: US Expands Crackdown On Venezuelan Oil Tankers In Caribbean

The United States Coast Guard has moved to seize the oil tanker Olina in the Caribbean Sea, marking the fifth ship taken into custody in recent weeks as part of Washington's action against Venezuelan oil exports. The Olina was described as a stateless vessel, meaning it was not officially registered under any country.

According to reports, the tanker had previously sailed from Venezuela carrying a full load of oil and was returning to the same region when the US intercepted it. Public records suggest the ship was falsely flying the flag of Timor-Leste, which raised further suspicion.

Maritime experts said that the vessel's tracking system had been switched off for over 50 days, with its last known position inside Venezuela's exclusive economic zone near Curaçao. The seizure was part of a long pursuit by American forces targeting ships involved in moving sanctioned oil from Venezuela.

Fifth Seizure in Weeks

The Olina was reportedly part of a flotilla that left Venezuela after the United States tightened restrictions on Venezuelan oil trade earlier this month.

The ship was fully loaded with crude oil when it began its journey. US officials said the vessel was already under sanctions since January last year, when it was known by another name, Minerva M.

It was accused of being part of a "shadow fleet" - a group of tankers that operate secretly, often without proper registration or insurance, to avoid detection.

This seizure adds to a growing list of actions by the US as it expands control over Venezuelan oil exports. Four other ships were seized recently, just days after Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was detained by US authorities. Another tanker linked to Russia was taken in the North Atlantic earlier this week after being followed from waters near Venezuela.

Growing Tension and International Reaction

Washington claims that these ships are used to move oil illegally for countries such as Venezuela, Russia, and Iran, all of which face US sanctions. The US says the seizures are meant to prevent the use of unregulated ships that violate international law and fund sanctioned governments.

Russia has sharply criticized the US actions, calling them a threat to global trade and maritime safety. Moscow accused Washington of trying to create "international crisis situations" by targeting foreign vessels. However, on Friday, Russia confirmed that two Russian crew members detained during one of the seizures had been released following diplomatic discussions.

The Olina case highlights the rising tension between major powers over the control of global oil routes. With several ships already seized and more investigations underway, experts believe the crackdown on the so-called shadow fleet could further strain relations between Washington, Moscow, and Caracas. For now, the Olina remains in US custody as legal and diplomatic discussions continue.