In a significant high-seas operation, the United States Coast Guard successfully boarded and seized two so-called 'ghost fleet' tanker ships in back-to-back raids conducted on Wednesday. The action, announced by US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, targeted vessels with suspected links to Venezuela and alleged illicit activities.
Dual Predawn Raids Across the Atlantic
The meticulously coordinated operations unfolded before dawn in two separate locations. One boarding took place in the North Atlantic Sea, while the other was executed in international waters near the Caribbean region. The vessels involved were identified as the Motor Tanker Bella I and the Motor Tanker Sophia.
Secretary Noem, in a post on social media platform X, stated that both ships were either last docked in Venezuela or were en route to the South American nation. The United States Southern Command confirmed that the Bella I was seized for violating US sanctions, while the M/T Sophia was interdicted for conducting illicit operations in international waters.
A Desperate Chase and a Stern Warning
The operation highlighted the lengths to which some vessels go to evade capture. According to Noem, the Motor Tanker Bella I had been trying to evade the Coast Guard for several weeks. In a failed attempt to escape justice, the tanker reportedly changed its flag and even painted a new name on its hull while being pursued.
Noem credited the heroic crew of the USCGC Munro for their relentless pursuit of the vessel across treacherous seas and storms. She issued a stark warning to criminal networks, declaring, "The world’s criminals are on notice. You can run, but you can’t hide." She emphasized that the US would never relent in its mission to protect American people and disrupt the funding of narco-terrorism.
Coordinated Effort Under Trump's Leadership
The Homeland Security Secretary framed the successful twin boardings as a result of President Trump's bold and visionary leadership. She noted that US Coast Guard tactical teams worked closely with counterparts from the Departments of Defense, Justice, and State, utilizing specialized expertise to conduct the safe and effective operations within hours of each other.
Released footage from the US government showed the dramatic moment of the boarding, with a helicopter hovering over one vessel as armed troops were lowered onto the deck to take control. The back-to-back seizures represent a major enforcement action against maritime entities attempting to circumvent international sanctions and law.
