Thermal Footage Shows Moment US Seized Venezuelan-Linked Oil Tankers
US special forces have seized two oil tankers linked to Venezuelan oil shipments in coordinated operations carried out in international waters in the North Atlantic and the Caribbean Sea, US officials confirmed on Wednesday.
The vessels, identified as the Motor Tanker Bella I, now renamed Marinera, and the Motor Tanker Sophia, were described by US authorities as part of a so-called “ghost fleet” used to transport oil in violation of US sanctions involving Venezuela, Russia, and Iran.
Thermal and night-vision footage released by the US Department of Homeland Security showed helicopters approaching the Marinera during a night operation, with armed personnel landing on the deck and others lowering themselves onto the vessel using ropes.
The footage showed troops moving quickly towards the bridge to secure the ship. No injuries to US forces were reported.
US officials said the Marinera was boarded in international waters between Iceland and the British Isles following a pursuit that lasted more than two weeks.
During this time, US forces reportedly tracked the tanker across the Atlantic. An earlier attempt to board the vessel during stormy weather in December was unsuccessful after the crew refused requests from the US Coast Guard.
According to US officials, the tanker attempted to evade authorities by repainting its name on the hull and changing its flag. The vessel was later registered under a Russian flag.
Russian state media reported that a US Coast Guard ship had been tailing the tanker and that a Russian warship had been operating nearby during the pursuit.
The second vessel, Motor Tanker Sophia, was intercepted in international waters near the Caribbean. US officials said the tanker was operating without a national flag and was also involved in sanctioned oil transport. The US Coast Guard is now escorting the vessel to the United States.
Powerful authorities. Unifying leadership. Unmatched impact.
Using its unique law enforcement authorities, @USCG tactical forces led a unified interagency effort to board and seize the Motor Tanker M Sophia east of the Caribbean Sea early this morning. Through close… pic.twitter.com/LcLNnOnOmM
— U.S. Coast Guard (@USCG) January 7, 2026
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem announced the operations in a post on social media and released the thermal footage. She said US forces carried out back-to-back coordinated boardings of both vessels as part of enforcement efforts against illicit oil trade.
The seizures come amid increased US enforcement of maritime sanctions. A day before the operations, US War Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that the blockade of sanctioned Venezuelan oil remained in effect worldwide.
The operations also followed a US strike in Venezuela on 3 January, which resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Both are currently in US custody after being indicted on charges related to narco-terrorism and drug trafficking.
Russia strongly criticised the seizure of the Marinera. The Russian Transport Ministry said the action violated international maritime law, referring to the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which guarantees freedom of navigation on the high seas.
References: NDTV, usatoday
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