US Coast Guard actively chases oil tanker Bella 1 near Venezuela amidst escalating tanker seizures and international tensions over Venezuelan oil exports.

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US Coast Guard Pursues Oil Tanker Bella 1 off Venezuela Coast

US Coast Guard Pursues Oil Tanker Bella 1 Off Venezuela

The US Coast Guard is reportedly engaged in the active pursuit of a ship believed to be the Bella 1, an oil tanker, in international waters northeast of Venezuela. This incident marks the latest episode in a string of tanker seizures linked to US enforcement actions targeting Venezuelan oil exports.

Incident Overview: Bella 1 Distress Signals and US Action

According to information verified by BBC Verify, the Bella 1 issued distress signals as it moved from the Caribbean into the Atlantic. Details reveal the ship was intercepted while in international waters, raising questions about legality and motives behind the US intervention.

Pattern of Tanker Seizures

The US authorities have already seized two oil tankers this month alone, with the latest occurrence being as recent as Saturday. The enforcement actions are part of wider US efforts to curb alleged illegal oil exports from Venezuela.

Context: Escalating Tensions Over Venezuelan Oil

The pursuit aligns with an increased focus by the Trump administration on Venezuela’s oil trade. The US government has repeatedly accused Venezuela of “stealing” oil and utilizing oil revenues to fund criminal activity. In response, Venezuelan officials have condemned the tanker seizures, labeling them illegal and branding US actions as acts of “international piracy”.

Expert Commentary and Analysis

For a deeper understanding of the situation, the BBC’s Analysis Editor Ros Atkins provides further background and expert interpretation of the ongoing dispute and its implications for international maritime law and global oil markets.

Verification & Credits

Produced by Katerina Karelli and Tom Joyner.
Verification by Joshua Cheetham.
Graphics by Mesut Ersoz.

Ros Atkins on… the oil tanker being pursued by the US