Some Sanctioned Vessels Seized By The U.S. Are In Such Poor Condition That They Can't Enter U.S. Ports: Report: 'Beyond Substandard'

Images of Venezuelan oil tanker seized by the U.S. Pam Bondi's official X account

Some sanctioned oil tankers seized by Washington forces as part of its blockade of Venezuela are in such poor condition that they can't enter the U.S., according to a new report.

The Washington Post reported that, as a result, the Coast Guard is expanding inspection and repair teams. An internal message sent by the entity described the vessels as "stateless and beyond substandard."

The first tanker seized, the Skipper, continues to be held offshore the Port of Galveston in Texas. The Bella 1, which attempted to escape and sought Russian protection by changing its name to Marinera and its home port, was seized on Wednesday.

The Sophia was targeted on the same day and the Olina was seized on Friday in the Caribbean. The U.S. Southern Command announced the operation on social media, saying that "apprehensions like this are backed by the full power of the U.S. Navy's Amphibious Ready Group, including the ready and lethal platforms of the USS Iwo Jima, USS San Antonio, and USS Fort Lauderdale."

Once again, our joint interagency forces sent a clear message this morning: “there is no safe haven for criminals.”

In a pre-dawn action, Marines and Sailors from Joint Task Force Southern Spear, in support of the Department of Homeland Security, launched from the USS Gerald R.… pic.twitter.com/StHo4ufcdx
— U.S. Southern Command (@Southcom) January 9, 2026

"The Department of War's Operation Southern Spear is unwavering in its mission to defend our homeland by ending illicit activity and restoring security in the Western Hemisphere," the body added.

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, on her end, said that the Oline was "another 'ghost fleet' tanker ship suspected of carrying embargoed oil."

The world’s criminals are on notice.

Early this morning, the @USCG executed a boarding and seizure of the Motor Tanker Olina in international waters east of the Caribbean Sea. As another "ghost fleet" tanker ship suspected of carrying embargoed oil, this vessel had departed… pic.twitter.com/vvS3u3nrvl
— Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) January 9, 2026

"The ghost fleets will not outrun justice. They will not hide under false claims of nationality.
The Coast Guard will seize sanctioned oil tankers, enforce U.S. and international law, and eliminate these funding streams for illicit activity including narco-terrorism," she added.

"We are deeply proud of the Coast Guard's maritime fighting force for their relentless execution of this mission. This is owning the sea."