Guyana says oil tanker seized by US was illegally flying its flag

The Guyana Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) has condemned the illegal use of the country’s flag after the United States seized a sanctioned oil tanker falsely claiming Guyanese registration in international waters off the coast of Venezuela.

In a statement, MARAD said U.S. authorities notified Guyana on Wednesday that they had intercepted the Motor Tanker SKIPPER (ex-ADISA), IMO 9304667, which was not registered in Guyana despite flying the nation’s flag.

“Today, the Government of the United States of America informed the Guyana Maritime Administration Department that they have encountered the Motor Tanker SKIPPER… It was falsely flying the Guyana Flag, as it is not registered in Guyana,” MARAD said.

The agency condemned the act and stressed that it would continue collaborating with international partners to address “the unauthorized use of the Guyana Flag.” MARAD added that it has observed “the proliferation and unacceptable trend” of vessels fraudulently operating under Guyana’s flag.

The seizure was announced by U.S. President Donald Trump, who said authorities had taken control of “a very large tanker” off Venezuela’s coast. Reuters later reported that the action sent global oil prices higher and escalated tensions between Washington and Caracas.

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed the seizure on X, noting that the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Coast Guard and the Department of War executed the operation. She said the vessel had been sanctioned for years due to its involvement in an illicit oil-shipping network supporting foreign terrorist organizations.

“This seizure… was conducted safely and securely — and our investigation alongside the Department of Homeland Security to prevent the transport of sanctioned oil continues,” she said.

The Venezuelan government quickly condemned the seizure, calling it “blatant theft” and “an act of international piracy.” Officials in Caracas vowed to defend the country’s sovereignty and indicated they would bring the matter before international bodies.

For Guyana, the incident underscores growing concerns about the misuse of its national flag by foreign vessels involved in illicit operations.

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“MARAD will continue to reach out to and work with international partners and other maritime agencies to identify, pursue, and take firm action against any unauthorized use of the Guyana Flag,” the agency said.