Russia sends a submarine to escort a tanker the US tried to seize off Venezuela, the *Wall Street Journal* reports, and it’s hard not to feel like we’ve stumbled into a very strange, very high-stakes game of geopolitical chess. The whole situation is just… surreal.
It’s completely wild to think about the kind of leaders at the helm in the 21st century, isn’t it? The power dynamics at play, the posturing, the potential consequences – it’s all so incredibly serious, yet there’s a certain absurdity to it. There’s a tanker, which clearly contains something of significant value, and the US apparently wanted to get its hands on it.… Continue reading
Reuters Exclusive: US Coast Guard lacks forces to seize Venezuela-linked tanker for now, sources say. This headline, like a cold splash of reality, immediately brings up questions – a lot of them. It makes you wonder how the US Coast Guard, a vital branch of our nation’s security, finds itself in this position.
The crux of the matter appears to be a lack of available resources to seize a tanker. That immediately leads to thoughts of logistical challenges. It’s a complex dance involving ships, personnel, jurisdiction, and the often-murky waters of international law. The fact that this tanker is linked to Venezuela adds another layer of complexity, considering existing sanctions and geopolitical tensions.… Continue reading
Following the seizure of a tanker this week, the U.S. is preparing to intercept more ships transporting Venezuelan oil as part of increased pressure on the Maduro regime. The U.S. has assembled a target list of tankers for potential seizure, with further interventions expected in the coming weeks. These actions aim to disrupt Venezuela’s oil exports, which are the main source of revenue for the Venezuelan government, while also targeting ships that may have transported oil from other sanctioned countries like Iran. The U.S. is monitoring tankers and has stated it will continue to enforce sanctions.
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The tanker Kairos, identified as part of Russia’s shadow fleet, is stranded off Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast due to rough weather preventing authorities from boarding. The ship, which entered Bulgarian waters after being released by a Turkish tugboat, is currently empty and poses no immediate environmental threat. While the crew of ten is safe and in contact with officials, surveillance continues using radar and thermal cameras. Diplomatic efforts are underway to determine the vessel’s purpose, with plans to tow the tanker to a safe harbor once conditions improve.
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French authorities have arrested the captain and first officer of the sanctioned tanker Boracay, suspected of operating for Russia’s “shadow fleet” after the French navy boarded the vessel near Saint-Nazaire. The two crew members are accused of failing to provide proof of the ship’s nationality and not complying with orders, and their detention has been extended. The Boracay, sanctioned by Britain and the EU, had previously been tracked near Denmark, with its movements coinciding with drone activity that caused airport closures. The Kremlin has stated it has no information about the vessel, but that Russian military has to act at times.
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French authorities have boarded the Boracay, a Russia-linked tanker blacklisted by the EU, following its presence off the Danish coast during a period of mysterious drone flights. President Macron confirmed the investigation into “serious offenses” committed by the crew, though he remained cautious about directly linking the ship to the Danish drone incidents. The investigation was launched after the crew’s failure to justify the vessel’s nationality and refusal to cooperate with authorities. The Boracay is part of Russia’s “shadow fleet” of tankers, which are suspected of helping Russia circumvent oil export sanctions.
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President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Russia is utilizing tankers to launch and control drones in European countries, based on intelligence data. He underscored the importance of sanctions targeting Russia’s energy trade and tanker fleet due to this development. Zelenskyy also urged the closure of the Baltic Sea and other seas to Russian tankers, specifically targeting the “shadow fleet”. This follows recent drone incursions and airport closures across Europe, leading to increased scrutiny of Russian activities.
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A Russian oil tanker, built in 1969, catastrophically split apart during a violent storm in the Kerch Strait, resulting in a significant oil spill. The sheer age of the vessel, far exceeding the typical 20-30 year lifespan for such tankers, immediately raises concerns about maintenance and safety standards. This isn’t an isolated incident; a second tanker, constructed in 1973, suffered damage in the same storm, highlighting a potential systemic problem within the Russian maritime industry. The fact that newer ships are being scrapped due to age, while these aging vessels continue to transport thousands of tons of oil, speaks volumes about potential cost-cutting measures prioritizing profit over safety.… Continue reading
Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker