The U.S. Coast Guard is actively pursuing a second sanctioned oil tanker in the Caribbean Sea, as the Trump administration intensifies efforts to disrupt vessels accused of helping Venezuela evade American sanctions.

A U.S. official confirmed the operation, noting that the vessel is part of the so-called “dark fleet” and is under a judicial seizure order.

The pursuit comes just a day after the Panama-flagged tanker Centuries was seized in a predawn operation. The White House described that ship as part of Venezuela’s “shadow fleet,” allegedly trafficking stolen oil under false flags.

President Donald Trump has escalated his rhetoric against Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, threatening a “blockade” of Venezuelan tankers and demanding the return of assets seized from U.S. oil firms. He has also linked the seizures to broader accusations of drug trafficking.

These maritime operations coincide with strikes on suspected fentanyl-smuggling boats in the region, which U.S. officials say have resulted in more than 100 fatalities since September 2025.

Critics, including Senator Tim Kaine (D-Va.), argue that such actions risk unauthorized war without congressional approval, urging reliance on sanctions rather than military force. Human rights groups have also raised concerns, questioning the evidence connecting targeted vessels to narcotics and labeling some of the strikes as extrajudicial.

The Coast Guard, often assisted by the U.S. Navy, continues enforcement operations as tankers divert routes to avoid Venezuelan ports. The campaign reflects Washington’s determination to tighten pressure on Maduro’s government while expanding maritime interdictions across the Caribbean.