American military forces have launched an active pursuit of a third Venezuelan-linked oil tanker in international waters, signalling a significant escalation in efforts to enforce sanctions against Caracas and Tehran.
The Chase for the 'Ghost Ship'
According to unnamed US officials speaking to the New York Times and CNN, the vessel in question is the Bella 1. This tanker is part of a so-called 'dark fleet' or 'ghost fleet' of ships under US sanctions for their role in Iran's oil trade. The pursuit began on Saturday, December 22, 2025, when US forces approached the ship, but its crew refused orders to stop for a boarding manoeuvre and continued sailing.
The US Coast Guard continued the chase through Sunday and into the early hours of Monday morning. A US official stated: "The United States Coast Guard is in active pursuit of a sanctioned 'dark fleet' vessel that is part of Venezuela's illegal sanctions evasion. It is flying a false flag and under a judicial seizure order." Officials declined to name the ship or its precise location when asked, but it was identified by the British maritime risk firm Vanguard and a US maritime security source.
A Pattern of Seizures Under Trump's Blockade
This incident is the latest in a series of aggressive maritime actions. Last week, former President Donald Trump ordered a 'total and complete blockade' of sanctioned vessels linked to Venezuela's state oil company. This policy affects approximately 30 ships in or near Venezuelan waters.
The campaign has already seen tangible results:
- One tanker was seized earlier in December 2025.
- A second vessel, the Centuries, was intercepted near Venezuelan waters on Saturday, December 22. Although not on the official sanctions list, it was operating under a false flag and allegedly carrying sanctioned Venezuelan oil.
The Bella 1 was added to the US sanctions list last year. Leaked Venezuelan documents confirm it transported Venezuelan oil to China in 2021. Reports indicate it was empty as it approached Venezuela prior to this pursuit.
Implications and Regional Tensions
These seizures represent a forceful application of economic pressure, directly targeting the mechanisms Venezuela and Iran use to circumvent international sanctions on their oil exports. The use of naval forces to physically intercept and commandeer vessels in international waters marks a serious intensification of tactics, moving beyond financial penalties to direct asset seizure.
The situation raises the stakes in an already volatile region, following Trump's recent refusal to rule out launching a war against Venezuela. The ongoing 'active pursuit' of the Bella 1 underscores the administration's commitment to this hardline approach, with potential ramifications for global oil shipping and diplomatic relations.
