Olina Seized

The world’s criminals are on notice.

Early this morning, the @USCG executed a boarding and seizure of the Motor Tanker Olina in international waters east of the Caribbean Sea. As another "ghost fleet" tanker ship suspected of carrying embargoed oil, this vessel had departed… pic.twitter.com/vvS3u3nrvl

— Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) January 9, 2026

… Venezuela attempting to evade U.S. forces.

Close coordination with the @DeptofWar , @StateDept , and @TheJusticeDept ensured a safe, effective boarding consistent with law.

The ghost fleets will not outrun justice. They will not hide under false claims of nationality.

The Coast Guard will seize sanctioned oil tankers, enforce U.S. and international law, and eliminate these funding streams for illicit activity including narco-terrorism.

We are deeply proud of the Coast Guard's maritime fighting force for their relentless execution of this mission. This is owning the sea.

Once again, our joint interagency forces sent a clear message this morning: “there is no safe haven for criminals.”

In a pre-dawn action, Marines and Sailors from Joint Task Force Southern Spear, in support of the Department of Homeland Security, launched from the USS Gerald R.… pic.twitter.com/StHo4ufcdx

— U.S. Southern Command (@Southcom) January 9, 2026

… Ford and apprehended Motor/Tanker Olina in the Caribbean Sea without incident.

Apprehensions like this are backed by the full power of the U.S. Navy’s Amphibious Ready Group, including the ready and lethal platforms of the USS Iwo Jima, USS San Antonio, and USS Fort Lauderdale.

The Department of War’s Operation Southern Spear is unwavering in its mission to defend our homeland by ending illicit activity and restoring security in the Western Hemisphere.