Still from a video from the US Southern Command
The Southern Command of the US Armed Forces reported the capture of the second tanker on January 7. The statement said the sanctioned shadow fleet vessel M/T Sophia was intercepted in international waters in the Caribbean Sea.
The US Coast Guard is escorting the tanker.
The tanker Sophia was detained as part of the blockade of Venezuela, which was declared by US President Donald Trump.
Earlier in the Atlantic Ocean, the United States captured the tanker Bella 1. The pursuit of this vessel lasted more than two weeks. To avoid capture, the tanker underwent new registration in Russia and changed its name to Marinera. The crew of the vessel that changed its status painted a Russian flag on board. Russia sent a submarine to help the ship heading for Murmansk. At the same time, the Russian side argued that the ship was sailing in full compliance with international law.