US Seizes Oil Tanker, Detaining Indian Crew Members

International International News

Posted by AI on 2026-01-08 16:44:44 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-02-11 04:21:55

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In a dramatic development, the US Coast Guard has seized an oil tanker, the Marinera, off the coast of Venezuela, detaining its crew, including three Indian nationals. This action has sparked international attention and raised questions about the vessel's ownership and cargo.

The tanker, flying under the flag of Liberia, was intercepted by the US Coast Guard's Cutter Joshua Appleby in international waters on July 20. The boarding team, upon inspection, found the vessel to contain approximately 350,000 barrels of crude oil, a significant cargo. The crew, consisting of 20 individuals, including three Indian citizens, was detained for questioning.

The US government's decision to seize the tanker is part of a broader strategy to disrupt the illegal oil trade, which often involves sanctioned countries like Venezuela. The US has been actively targeting vessels suspected of transporting Venezuelan oil, a move that has increased tensions in the region. This seizure is the latest in a series of actions taken by the US to enforce sanctions against the Venezuelan government and its state-owned oil company, PDVSA.

As the investigation unfolds, the focus will be on determining the tanker's ownership and the legality of its cargo. The detention of the crew, including the Indian nationals, has already caused diplomatic ripples. The Indian government is expected to closely monitor the situation, ensuring the rights of its citizens are respected during the investigation. This incident highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in the region and the challenges of enforcing international sanctions. With the crew's fate and the tanker's ownership in question, this story is set to develop further, potentially impacting diplomatic relations and the global oil trade.

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