On September 28, 2024, a United States Coast Guard logo appeared on a rescue boat in San Diego, California, as the agency intensified its pursuit of a sanctioned vessel in international waters off Venezuela’s coast.
Active Pursuit of a Sanctioned Vessel
The U.S. Coast Guard is in “active pursuit” of a vessel that officials say is part of Venezuela’s illegal sanctions evasion program. One official told NBC News: “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,” the official said. The vessel’s use of a false flag and the presence of a judicial seizure order are indicators that the ship is attempting to disguise its identity while operating under U.S. sanctions.
Interceptions in the Caribbean
If the Coast Guard successfully intercepts this vessel, it will become the third sanctioned ship seized by the United States in the Caribbean. Earlier this month, a boat known as the Skipper was taken off the Venezuelan coast after being identified as a sanctioned vessel. On Saturday, the Pentagon interdicted a second tanker that the White House said carried sanctioned oil on board. These actions demonstrate a growing U.S. effort to enforce economic sanctions against Venezuelan entities.
Ongoing Operation and Reporting
Earlier Saturday, two U.S. officials informed NBC News that the Coast Guard was in the midst of an ongoing operation off the Venezuelan coast. The operation was first reported by Reuters, adding a layer of international media coverage to the U.S. pursuit. The officials emphasized that the operation remains active and that the Coast Guard is closely monitoring the vessel’s movements.
Rising Tensions Between U.S. and Venezuela
Tensions between Washington and Caracas have escalated in recent weeks. The Trump administration has conducted strikes on alleged drug boats in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific, actions that have heightened diplomatic friction. President Donald Trump did not rule out the possibility of war with Venezuela earlier this week, indicating the seriousness of the U.S. stance. Trump also remarked that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro does not want to “mess around with the United States,” following a series of strikes against alleged Venezuelan drug cartel boats in international waters.
Photo Caption Context
The article includes a photo caption that reads: “SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 28: A United States Coast Guard logo is displayed on a rescue boat on September 28, 2024 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Kevin Carter/Getty Images).” The image underscores the presence of U.S. Coast Guard assets in the region during the operation.
Key Takeaways
- The U.S. Coast Guard is actively pursuing a sanctioned vessel off Venezuela, a ship that is part of a dark fleet involved in illegal sanctions evasion.
- This potential interception would be the third sanctioned vessel seized by the U.S. in the Caribbean, following the Skipper and a second tanker interdicted on Saturday.
- Rising U.S.-Venezuela tensions have included strikes on alleged drug boats and public statements by President Trump that hint at a willingness to confront the Venezuelan government.
The ongoing operation reflects a broader U.S. strategy to enforce economic sanctions and counter illicit maritime activities linked to the Venezuelan government. The Coast Guard’s pursuit of the vessel, combined with recent interdictions, signals a sustained effort to curb the flow of sanctioned goods and resources from Venezuela to the wider world.
