The US Coast Guard (USCG) was still tracking a Venezuela-linked oil tanker, believed to be Bella 1, as of 24/12, according to Reuters, citing an unnamed US official and a source familiar with the situation. The vessel has been pursued since 21/12 and continues to refuse boarding by USCG personnel.

The US Coast Guard is awaiting additional personnel support before considering the possibility of apprehending the Bella 1. The USCG will likely assign the mission to the Maritime Security Response Team (MSRT), a counter-terrorism special operations unit it established, specializing in boarding merchant vessels for inspection.

The oil tanker Bella 1 sailing in March. Photo: Marine Traffic

Images released by the US Department of Homeland Security last weekend showed several MSRT officers on the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, which was deployed in waters near Venezuela. These individuals were then preparing to depart the ship to participate in the mission to apprehend the oil tanker Centuries.

A US official said MSRT forces at that time were very far from the Bella 1. Their current location is unknown.

"Only a few teams are trained to perform this type of ship boarding mission," said Corey Ranslem, director of maritime security group Dryad Global and a former USCG officer.

The US Coast Guard has not commented on the situation. The White House stated that US forces are still "actively pursuing" a sanctioned vessel, related to efforts to circumvent sanctions targeting Venezuela.

The oil tanker Bella 1 was placed on the US Treasury Department's sanctions list in 2024, accused of having ties to Iran.

The US has recently increased pressure on the government of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, deploying military assets to the region under the pretext of anti-drug missions. Maduro argues that the deployment of forces indicates a US intention to change the regime in Venezuela and to "seize the country's land and minerals."

The location of Venezuela and neighboring seas. Graphic: Britannica

President Donald Trump announced in mid-month the imposition of a blockade on "sanctioned oil tankers" traveling to and from Venezuela, aiming to increase pressure on President Maduro's government.

The US Coast Guard subsequently apprehended hai oil tankers in the Caribbean Sea and began pursuing the Bella 1. Unlike the US Navy, the USCG possesses law enforcement authority at sea, including boarding and seizing sanctioned vessels.

However, the US Coast Guard has limited resources in the region. The force has long admitted to lacking sufficient personnel and equipment to effectively carry out its increasing number of missions, including search and rescue and apprehending drug criminals.

Pham Giang (According to Reuters)