U.S. seizes Venezuela-linked tankers Bella I and Sophia

In a post on X, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem says that in two predawn operations today, the Coast Guard conducted back-to-back meticulously coordinated boarding of two “ghost fleet” tanker ships— one in the North Atlantic Sea and one in international waters near the Caribbean. Both vessels —the motor tanker Bella I and the motor taker Sophia—were either last docked in Venezuela or en route to it.”

“One of these tankers, motor tanker Bella I, has been trying to evade the Coast Guard for weeks, even changing its flag and painting a new name on the hull while being pursued, in a desperate and failed attempt to escape justice. The heroic crew of the USCGC Munro pursued this vessel across the high seas and through treacherous storms— keeping diligent watch, and protecting our country with the determination and patriotism that make Americans proud. These brave men and women deserve our nation’s thanks for their selfless devotion to duty.”

The U.K. Ministry of Defence saids=hat, at the request of the U.S., the U.K. provided enabling support for the interdiction of the Bella I, between the U.K. and Iceland, that included basing for U.S. military assets, Royal Air Force surveillance and support from the Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessel RFA Tideforce

According to multiple reports, at some point during its pursuit, the Bella I changed its name to the Marinera and its registration to the Russian flag.

Southern Command said in a post on X that the interdicted vessel, M/T Sophia, was operating in international waters and conducting illicit activities in the Caribbean Sea. The U.S. Coast Guard is escorting M/T Sophia to the U.S. for final disposition.

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