The United States is preparing to deploy additional Coast Guard assets to intercept and seize a sanctioned oil tanker that has repeatedly refused boarding attempts, according to sources familiar with the matter.

The vessel, Bella 1, is believed to be linked to Venezuelan oil exports and is currently operating in the Caribbean region. U.S. authorities say the tanker has ignored multiple requests to stop for inspection, prompting the Coast Guard to consider using specialized maritime security forces to bring the ship under control.

Sources indicate that the operation could involve the Coast Guard’s Maritime Security Response Teams (MSRT) — elite units trained for high-risk interdictions, including helicopter insertions onto moving vessels. These teams are typically used in counterterrorism, sanctions enforcement, and complex maritime security operations.

However, the situation is complicated by limited Coast Guard resources in the region. While the U.S. has increased sanctions enforcement efforts targeting Venezuelan oil shipments, the availability of suitable vessels and personnel may affect the timing and execution of the seizure.

Implications for Shipping and Logistics

For the global logistics and maritime industry, the incident highlights the growing operational risks tied to sanctions compliance. Tanker operators, charterers, insurers, and freight planners face heightened scrutiny when operating in regions connected to sanctioned energy exports.

Such enforcement actions can lead to:

• Sudden route disruptions and vessel delays
• Increased insurance and compliance costs
• Greater due diligence requirements for cargo origin, ownership, and charter arrangements

The case also underscores the strategic role of maritime enforcement capacity in global trade flows, particularly for energy logistics.

As U.S. authorities continue to monitor the vessel’s movements, the situation remains fluid. Any successful seizure could further tighten oversight of oil shipments in the Caribbean and reinforce enforcement pressure on sanctioned maritime trade.

Read the full Reuters report here:
https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/us-eyes-additional-coast-guard-assets-seize-fleeing-tanker-sources-say-2025-12-24/