Coast Guard calls in reinforcements to seize fleeing oil tanker

The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) has called for reinforcements to join in seizing and boarding a massive oil tanker on the run since fleeing Venezuelan waters on Sunday, sources told Reuters Monday night.

U.S. forces have stepped up operations in the South Caribbean, including efforts to intercept tankers delivering oil from the socialist country to sanctioned nations. The Coast Guard has requested reinforcements to complete its ongoing pursuit and capture of the sanctioned Bella 1 tanker, sources told Reuters. While the Navy has the largest presence in the blockade, only the Coast Guard can carry out enforcement actions such as the seizure of sanctioned vessels.

Currently, the USCG has two teams in the area responsible for seizing ships, according to Reuters.

The Trump administration obtained a seizure warrant for the Bella 1 due to its role in the illicit oil trade with Iran, for which it was sanctioned by the U.S. last year. The ship began sending out distress signals on Sunday, and has refused boarding.

The USCG has comparatively fewer resources for operations than other branches of the military, but received a new injection of funding from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act in 2025.

The American military overall has built up a sizable force in the South Caribbean in an effort to stop drugs making their way to American shores, with many speculating the buildup could result in a regime change war with Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro.

The Trump administration’s naval blockade was instituted last week in order to enforce previous sanctions and strangle the lucrative oil exports propping up the Maduro regime’s finances.

The Coast Guard deferred to the White House, which did not immediately respond to the Daily Caller News Foundation’s request for comment.

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