In a significant maritime incident, the United States Coast Guard has intercepted a large crude oil tanker falsely operating under the Guyana flag in international waters. The vessel identified as SKIPPER (ex-ADISA), IMO Number 9304667, was boarded and seized on Wednesday following coordination between American and Guyanese authorities.
The Guyana Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) confirmed the vessel had no legitimate registration with their nation. Director-General Stephen Thomas stated that investigation revealed the SKIPPER was unlawfully flying the Guyanese flag, describing this as part of an ‘unacceptable trend’ of unauthorized use of national maritime symbols.
MARAD officials emphasized their commitment to collaborate with international partners to identify and take firm action against such fraudulent flag representations. The administration noted increasing concerns about vessels attempting to exploit maritime registration systems for potentially illicit activities.
US President Donald Trump characterized the seizure as a major enforcement achievement, noting it represented the largest crude tanker ever apprehended by American authorities. Video footage released by BBC showed US military personnel conducting the boarding operation.
The incident has triggered strong diplomatic repercussions from Venezuela, which denounced the seizure as ‘an act of international piracy.’ The Nicolás Maduro administration accused the United States of attempting to illegally control Venezuelan oil resources that ‘belong exclusively to the Venezuelan people.’ Venezuelan officials urged the international community to reject what they termed ‘vandalistic, illegal, and unprecedented aggression’ and called upon citizens to defend national sovereignty.