Archive · 23 Jan 2026
US-Seized Venezuelan Oil Tankers Reappear Near Puerto Rico
Two oil tankers that were seized by the U.S. from Venezuela have been spotted near Puerto Rico.
These tankers, named M Sophia and Galileo, were taken by the U.S. this month as part of a campaign against Venezuela.
The U.S. wants to stop drug trafficking and help fix Venezuela's oil industry.
The tankers are old and might not be safe, which could cause problems if there's an accident.
The U.S. hasn't said where these tankers will go next, but they could stay in Puerto Rico or be moved to another U.S. port.
There are other seized tankers near the U.S. Gulf Coast, Venezuelan waters, and Scotland.
Two U.S.-seized Venezuelan oil tankers, M Sophia and Galileo, were spotted near Puerto Rico.
The tankers were seized this month as part of the U.S. campaign against Venezuela.
The U.S. aims to stop drug trafficking and revive Venezuela's oil sector.
The tankers are over 20 years old, posing potential safety and environmental hazards.
The U.S. has not disclosed the destinations or plans for the seized vessels.
- Who
- U.S. military and Coast Guard, Venezuelan government, U.S. President Donald Trump
- What
- Seizure of Venezuelan oil tankers, potential environmental hazards
- When
- January 7, 2024, and January 2024
- Where
- Near Puerto Rico, U.S. Gulf Coast, Venezuelan waters, Scotland
- Why
- U.S. campaign against Venezuela, stopping drug trafficking, reviving Venezuela's oil sector
- Tankers
- M Sophia, Galileo
- Seizure Dates
- January 7, January 2024
- Current Location
- Near Puerto Rico
- Other Captured Tankers
- Five near U.S. Gulf Coast, Venezuelan waters, and Scotland
- U.S. Objective
- Stop drug trafficking, revive Venezuela's oil sector
- Tanker Age
- Over 20 years, exceeding industry standard of 15 years
- Potential Hazards
- Lack of safety certification, inadequate insurance, environmental risks