“Coast Guard cutter returns to Florida after escorting recently seized motor tanker” –SE District

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U.S. Coast Guard crewmembers transfer from the Coast Guard Cutter Vigilant (WMEC 617) to a motor tanker by a helicopter crew assigned to U.S. Navy Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 9 in the Atlantic Ocean, Jan. 7, 2026. Vigilant escorted the tanker, which was seized by a joint Coast Guard and Department of War team for conducting illicit activities in the Caribbean Sea. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Brandon Feehery)

Below is a press release from the Southeast District. This is a 61 year old ship, still doing the job.

Anyone know what this device, pictured below, cropped from photo above, is?

U.S. Coast Guard cutter USCGC Vigilant (WMEC-617). 2 March 2008. Photo by Workman via Wikipedia.

U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Vigilant (WMEC 617), right, sails in the Western Atlantic Ocean while escorting a motor tanker after a right of visit boarding, Jan. 7, 2026. Vigilant escorted the motor tanker, which was seized by a Coast Guard tactical boarding team with support from the Department of War, for operating as a vessel without nationality in the Caribbean Sea. (U.S. Navy Photo)

Jan. 20, 2026

Coast Guard cutter returns to Florida after escorting recently seized motor tanker

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Vigilant (WMEC 617) returned to Cape Canaveral on Friday after a 33-day patrol in the Caribbean Sea supporting operations Pacific Viper and Southern Spear.

During the patrol, Vigilant escorted a motor tanker, which was seized by a U.S. Coast Guard tactical boarding team with support from the Department of War, for operating as a vessel without nationality in the Caribbean Sea. Vigilant’s crew coordinated with naval and law enforcement partners to transfer personnel and provisions to the tanker. A law enforcement team from Vigilant boarded the vessel to provide security during the 600-nautical-mile transit to the United States.

Cmdr. Steve Welch, commanding officer of Vigilant, said, “I am proud of the crew’s adaptability and professionalism during this mission of national importance. Their performance ensured the safe execution of the operation in partnership with the Department of War.”

Unique statutory authorities enable the Coast Guard to enforce international and domestic law in the maritime domain, deploying assets to conduct missions in U.S. waters and on the high seas. The Coast Guard’s involvement in this seizure was conducted under Title 14, U.S. Code and in accordance with customary international law. The Coast Guard exercises these authorities to protect maritime safety, security, and U.S. interests.

4 thoughts on ““Coast Guard cutter returns to Florida after escorting recently seized motor tanker” –SE District”

  1. The device is an E/O director. It includes a TV camera and probably a FLIR. Most likely used for viewing an approaching helicopter but also useful for surveillance.

    Reply ↓

    • Does look like some sort of electro-optic device, probably two camera, one for daylight and one for night, and it seems to be in the right place to monitor flight deck operations, but this is the first time I have noticed this so looking for confirmation

      Reply ↓

      • The FLIR component may also facilitate more effective remote operation of a fire monitor in the event of a mishap.

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