US seizes 6th sanctioned tanker linked to Venezuela

19 January 2026

The US has seized a sanctioned oil tanker linked to Venezuela in the Caribbean Sea. This is the sixth sanctioned tanker to be seized by the US. The US Southern Military Command confirmed that the US coast guard boarded the M/T Veronica in a pre-dawn raid on 15 January 2026.

The Veronica (IMO 9256860) was sanctioned by the US in 2022 when it was named “Pegas” and operating under the Russian flag. It currently operates under the flag of Guyana.

Other sanctioned vessels seized by the US:

• M/V Olina (IMO 9282479) seized on 9 January 2026 in the Caribbean.

• M Sophia (IMP 9289477) seized on 7 January 2026 in the Caribbean.

• Marinera (IMO 9230880) seized on 7 January 2026 in the North Atlantic.

• Centuries (IMO 9206310) seized on 20 December 2025 off the coast of Venezuela.

• Skipper (IMO 9304667) seized on 10 December off the coast of Venezuela.

The US has reportedly sought warrants to seize dozens more vessels.