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muriel_volestrangler

(105,603 posts)

17. And the US has seized another tanker, in the Caribbean

Thu Jan 8, 2026, 03:40 AM

Thursday

A second tanker - the M/T Sophia - was accused by the US of "conducting illicit activities" and boarded in the Caribbean.
...
Separately, the US Southern Command announced on Wednesday that the defence and homeland security departments "apprehended a stateless, sanctioned dark fleet motor tanker without incident".

"The interdicted vessel, M/T Sophia, was operating in international waters and conducting illicit activities in the Caribbean Sea. The US Coast Guard is escorting M/T Sophia to the US for final disposition."

The US Southern Command also posted a video showing a helicopter circling over a vessel.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c5y2v8ngl14o

I think I heard a news report that the Sophia was carrying oil, but I can't find online reports saying that, or that it's empty.

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Highlight:

Exclusive: US seizing Venezuela-linked, Russian-flagged oil tanker after weeks-long pursuit [View all] RoseTrellis Wednesday OP

Reuters is reporting this too, as an exclusive, but there's a subscription required. mahatmakanejeeves Wednesday #1

Thanks for that! RoseTrellis Wednesday #5

Other reports have a Russian warship and submarine in the area. Ray Bruns Wednesday #2

Militarily? MarineCombatEngineer Wednesday #10

Russia isn't going to start a shooting war over a police action to enforce a blockade against Venezuela. Martin68 Wednesday #14

Would recommend a different source (RT is forbidden on DU now) BumRushDaShow Wednesday #3

Thank you! RoseTrellis Wednesday #7

... BumRushDaShow Wednesday #9

I think this is a kind of iffy report. JohnnyRingo Wednesday #4

Whole pile of M$M have it now. BumRushDaShow Wednesday #8

Here is the Bloomberg's report on it lostincalifornia Wednesday #6

MarineTraffic RoseTrellis Wednesday #11

This is some spooky sh*t...Another view and comment. I did not know the Brits were involved too... mitch96 Wednesday #12

Link to The Hill nitpicked Wednesday #13

I don't get why it took two weeks to catch it sboatcar Wednesday #15

More favorable position? RoseTrellis Wednesday #16

And the US has seized another tanker, in the Caribbean muriel_volestrangler Thursday #17