Lack of Oil Aboard Venezuela Tanker Seized by US Raises Eyebrows
By: Andrew Stanton (Newsweek)
So, how much did this cost? And what does the American people get in return?
S E E D E D C O N T E N T
The lack of oil aboard the Venezuelan-linked tanker seized by the United States following a weeks-long pursuit in the Atlantic Ocean raised eyebrows from some on social media on Wednesday.
Newsweek reached out to the Pentagon for comment via email.
Why It Matters
The U.S. seized the vessel, formerly known as Bella 1 and now known as the Marinera, on Tuesday, just days after President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that the U.S. captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The two face charges of narco-terrorism as the administration has blamed Venezuela for the flow of deadly drugs into the United States, but have denied any wrongdoing.
The Trump administration is now crafting its approach to Venezuelan oil; the president has said anywhere between 30 million and 50 million barrels of oil will be sent to the U.S. at market price. The seizure of the vessel marks a new flashpoint in Washington's confrontation with Moscow over Venezuela's sanctioned oil trade.
What to Know
The U.S. had been pursuing the vessel since December, when the Coast Guard attempted to board it off the Venezuelan coast. Tracking data showed that the tanker was not carrying any oil when U.S. troops seized it, The Associated Press reported.
This raised eyebrows among some social media profiles. A post from @Geiger_Capital with more than 161,000 views on X questioned why Russia "is so concerned with this 'empty' oil tanker." Another post by @WarMonitor3 speculated that the vessel "is definitely not 'empty.'"
Although those posts have drawn attention on social media, there has been no reporting to suggest there was any oil aboard the vessel. Officials have not said whether any other items were aboard the ship.
Tracking data reported by the AP showed that it was sailing in the Atlantic Ocean near the Caribbean Sea on December 15, 2025 but changed its direction north after the U.S. seized a sanctioned tanker earlier that month. It had stopped in an Iranian port in March and remained in the Persian Gulf until November, the AP reported.
The ship has been used to carry oil to nations from Russia, Iran and Venezuela, defying sanctions from countries like the United States.
Russia has questioned why the U.S. is interested in seizing the vessel.
Per Politico, the Russian Foreign Ministry told TASS on Tuesday, "For reasons unknown to us, the Russian vessel is getting excessive attention from the US and NATO militaries, clearly disproportionate to its peaceful status."
What People Are Saying
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem wrote Wednesday to X: "One of these tankers, Motor Tanker Bella I, has been trying to evade the Coast Guard for weeks, even changing its flag and painting a new name on the hull while being pursued, in a desperate and failed attempt to escape justice. The heroic crew of the USCGC Munro pursued this vessel across the high seas and through treacherous storms—keeping diligent watch, and protecting our country with the determination and patriotism that make Americans proud. These brave men and women deserve our nation's thanks for their selfless devotion to duty."
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth wrote Wednesday to X: "The blockade of sanctioned and illicit Venezuelan oil remains in FULL EFFECT—anywhere in the world."
What Happens Next
Maduro pleaded not guilty on Monday as the future of Venezuela remains unclear.
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The tanker seen from USCG Munro in calm, clear conditions in the N. Atlantic – ideal for boarding operations. The ship is obviously in ballast and empty of oil (Photo: U.S. European Command).