Archive · 23 Jan 2026

US-Seized Venezuelan Oil Tankers Reappear Near Puerto Rico

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.

Sources