U.S. forces have seized a sanctioned oil tanker in the Indian Ocean, marking the third interdiction of a runaway vessel linked to Venezuelan oil exports. [reuters] [maritime-executive]

The tanker Bertha was intercepted on February 24 after being tracked from the Caribbean as part of an expanded U.S. campaign targeting sanctioned oil shipments.

According to U.S. officials, the vessel was carrying approximately 1.9 million barrels of Venezuelan crude and was suspected of violating maritime sanctions.

Military forces conducted a maritime boarding operation in international waters after monitoring the tanker’s movements across multiple regions. The vessel is now under U.S. control while authorities determine its final disposition.

The operation is part of a broader sanctions enforcement effort targeting vessels transporting restricted oil shipments. Since late 2025, U.S. forces have intercepted multiple tankers linked to Venezuela’s oil trade.

Industry analysts say the crackdown highlights growing scrutiny on tanker movements and sanctions compliance, particularly for vessels operating in long-haul routes between the Caribbean and Asia.

For freight and maritime operators, the incident underscores the increasing importance of vessel tracking and regulatory compliance in global shipping.