US Coast Guard Executes Pre-Dawn Boarding and Seizure of Stateless Motor Tanker in International Waters East of the Caribbean Sea

The US Coast Guard executed a pre-dawn boarding and seizure of the motor tanker Olina in international waters east of the Caribbean Sea, marking the fifth tanker interdicted in recent weeks. The operation was carried out in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security, the State Department, and the Department of Justice. According to U.S. Southern Command, joint task forces sent a clear message that ’there is no safe haven for criminals.’ The vessel was described as a stateless ‘ghost fleet’ tanker attempting to move embargoed oil after departing Venezuela. Following the operation, the Coast Guard began escorting the Olina toward the United States for disposition.