The ship, identified as Bella 1, was reportedly en route to Venezuela to load crude oil when US Coast Guard personnel attempted to board it. Instead of stopping, the tanker continued sailing, prompting American authorities to initiate an active chase.
Washington, DC [US], December 22, 2025, BNN Web Staff — The United States has launched a pursuit of a sanctioned oil tanker in international waters near Venezuela after the vessel ignored orders to halt, according to media reports.
The ship, identified as Bella 1, was reportedly en route to Venezuela to load crude oil when US Coast Guard personnel attempted to board it. Instead of stopping, the tanker continued sailing, prompting American authorities to initiate an active chase.
US officials said the tanker is linked to Iranian oil networks and is considered part of a so-called “dark” or “shadow” fleet used to bypass international sanctions. The vessel is reportedly operating under a false flag and is already subject to a judicial seizure warrant issued by US authorities.
“This is a sanctioned vessel involved in illegal sanctions evasion tied to Venezuela,” a US official said, adding that enforcement action was underway in accordance with existing legal orders.
The incident comes a day after the US Coast Guard intercepted another tanker near Venezuelan waters, marking the second such enforcement action in two consecutive days.
Washington has described these moves as part of a broader crackdown on unauthorised oil shipments from sanctioned states.
Caracas, however, has strongly condemned the US actions. Venezuelan officials have accused Washington of piracy, alleging that American forces are unlawfully seizing vessels carrying Venezuelan oil through international waters. The Venezuelan Foreign Ministry denounced what it called the “hijacking” of a private ship and raised concerns over the welfare of its crew.
Venezuela has portrayed the interceptions as part of a wider campaign aimed at undermining its sovereignty and controlling its natural resources. President Nicolas Maduro has accused the US of attempting to destabilise his government and impose external control over the country’s energy sector.
From the US side, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed the recent operation, describing it as a lawful enforcement measure against sanctioned oil exports. The action follows President Donald Trump’s recent directive ordering a comprehensive blockade of tankers linked to sanctioned Venezuelan oil trade.
Trump has repeatedly claimed that Venezuela unlawfully benefited from assets tied to US energy interests and has warned of severe consequences if such activities continue. His statements have further heightened tensions in the region.
The situation has also drawn international attention, with Russia and China reportedly expressing concern over the growing US military presence near Venezuela and warning that aggressive enforcement actions could escalate regional instability. Both countries have urged adherence to international law and diplomatic restraint.
