US Coast Guard Seizes Second Vessel Off Venezuela Following Trump Naval Blockade Order
The United States Coast Guard seized a second merchant vessel off the coast of Venezuela on Saturday, December 20, 2025. A United States official confirmed the latest interdiction to FOX News as part of an intensifying maritime pressure campaign. This operation follows the high-profile seizure of the oil tanker known as the Skipper earlier this month. Federal authorities conducted the boarding in international waters near the Venezuelan coastline. The move signals a direct enforcement of the recently announced naval blockade against the Maduro administration. Military officials stated that the mission was carried out with precision and without physical conflict. The vessel is currently being escorted to a secure location for further investigation and legal processing.+1
President Donald Trump ordered a total and complete blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela earlier this week. The administration intends to choke off the primary revenue stream for the Venezuelan government through these direct interventions. United States forces have significantly increased their presence in the Caribbean Sea over the last several months. The deployment includes the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier and multiple specialized Coast Guard units. Officials describe the latest action as a consented boarding where the vessel stopped voluntarily. This tactic aims to prevent the transport of black-market oil to sanctioned entities in Iran and other regions. The Department of Justice is already preparing the necessary forfeiture documents for the seized cargo and the vessel itself.+2
The geopolitical landscape in South America remains highly volatile as the United States ramps up its enforcement actions. Venezuelan officials have condemned the seizures as acts of international piracy and a violation of national sovereignty. Despite these claims, the Trump administration maintains that the operations are legally justified under existing federal warrants. Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasized that the United States will not allow sanctioned vessels to fund illicit activities through the global oil trade. Recent data shows that Venezuelan crude exports have dropped significantly since the blockade began. Many shadow fleet tankers are now avoiding the region to escape potential capture by American naval forces. The White House has indicated that similar operations will continue as long as the current regime remains in power.+2
Market analysts are closely monitoring the impact of these seizures on global energy prices and supply chains. While Venezuela is a major oil producer, the current volume of its sanctioned exports is relatively small compared to the total global market. However, the aggressive nature of the U.S. blockade has created uncertainty for shipping companies operating in the Caribbean. Companies such as Chevron continue to operate under specific licenses while other entities face high risks of asset seizure. The legal process for the first seized tanker is currently underway in federal court. This second seizure reinforces the commitment of the United States to maintaining a strict embargo on sanctioned energy resources. Future maritime operations are expected to target additional ships identified as part of the clandestine oil transport network.
