Venezuela-Linked Tanker Evades US Coast Guard, Russia Deploys Submarine to Escort Vessel: Reports
A Venezuela-linked oil tanker operating in the so-called “dark fleet” painted a Russian flag on its hull, changed its name, and reflagged to Russia in an apparent bid to evade the U.S. Coast Guard, according to reports.
The vessel has since been spotted off Ireland, with the U.S., U.K., France, and Ireland reportedly conducting aerial surveillance after it escaped U.S. interception in December, The Times reported.
US Military Surveillance Tracks Tanker Off Irish Coast
Multiple reports said Tuesday the vessel is now under U.S. military surveillance roughly 230 miles off the Irish coast. According to reports, U.S. P-8 surveillance aircraft have tracked the tanker off Ireland only in recent days. CBS News reported that U.S. forces have pursued the vessel since December, as Washington intensified enforcement against Venezuelan oil shipments.
Russia Deploys Submarine and Naval Assets to Escort Vessel
Meanwhile, Russia has reportedly since deployed a submarine and naval assets to escort the tanker to its own waters, the Wall Street Journal reported late Tuesday. Russia’s state-controlled foreign media outlet RT shared a video filmed from the tanker’s deck, allegedly showing a U.S. Coast Guard cutter following the vessel.
Tanker’s History of Illicit Oil Cargoes
TankerTrackers.com alleges the vessel previously transported millions of barrels of Iranian and Venezuelan crude to China between 2021 and 2025. The tanker has been under U.S. Treasury sanctions since June 2024, accused of transporting illicit oil cargoes linked to a Hezbollah-connected company.
Growing Fleet of Western-Sanctioned Tankers Seeking Protection Under Russia’s National Flag
The very large crude carrier is joining a growing fleet of Western-sanctioned tankers seeking protection under Russia‘s national flag, according to Windward. “Over the past six months, a dozen or more of the darkest tankers operating globally have switched from open registries to Russia,” the firm added. This trend accelerated in December as the flag state emerged as a critical shield against drone strikes and vessel seizures.
Additional Western-Sanctioned Tankers Re-flagged to Russia
Windward also identified two additional Western-sanctioned tankers currently in Venezuelan waters that have reflagged to Russia in recent days to prevent U.S. naval interception. The tanker Hyperion departed Venezuela on Jan. 1 flying the Russian flag, while Premier signaled via AIS that it changed its flag from Gambia to Russia on Dec. 22.
Original Article: Venezuelan ‘dark fleet’ tanker evades US Coast Guard as Russia sends submarine to escort vessel: reports — Foxnews