Category Archives: Shadow Fleet

Seventh Oil Tanker Seized

Posted on by
1

Below is a SOUTHCOM news release.

Jan. 20, 2026

Maritime Interdiction Operation, Jan. 20, 2026

Through Operation SOUTHERN SPEAR, the Department of War is unwavering in its mission to crush illicit activity in the Western Hemisphere in partnership with U.S. Coast Guard through the Department of Homeland Security and The Justice Department.

This morning, U.S. military forces, in support of the Department of Homeland Security, apprehended Motor Vessel Sagitta without incident. The apprehension of another tanker operating in defiance of President Trump’s established quarantine of sanctioned vessels in the Caribbean demonstrates our resolve to ensure that the only oil leaving Venezuela will be oil that is coordinated properly and lawfully. As the joint force operates in the Western Hemisphere, we reaffirm that the security of the American people is paramount, demonstrating our commitment to safety and stability.

These operations are backed by the full power our elite joint force team deployed in the Caribbean.

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

Posted on by
4

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.

“Estonian Navy Detains Russia-Bound Oil Tanker” –Marine Link

Posted on by
Reply

PVL-101 Kindral Kurvits in Kopli Bay Tallinn 24 May 2016.o Photo credit: Pjotr Mahhonin. At the time of the photo, this ship was part of Estonia’s  Police and Border Guard Board. Since then she and three other vessels were incorporated into the Estonian Navy. I don’t know if she still wears a stripe. She is the largest vessel in the Estonian fleet. 

Marine Link reports,

“The Estonian navy detained and boarded a Russia-bound oil tanker on an EU sanctions list on Friday, accusing it of sailing illegally without a valid country flag.

“The vessel, the Kiwala, has been under EU sanctions since February as part of Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet”, a term Western countries use for ships they say Moscow deploys to circumvent international sanctions.”

Estonian Navy was exercising a coast guard function, something the US Coast Guard might do.

The tanker was reportedly flying a Djibouti flag, but Djibouti said the ship was not registered with them, making the ship stateless. Which in turn means she is subject to the laws of any state that chooses to exercise the right.