U.S. Considers Forced Boarding of Mysterious Rusted Super-Tanker Near Venezuela

The United States has not abandoned its pursuit of a massive, rust-covered oil tanker that American authorities tracked in international waters near Venezuela over the weekend, according to sources familiar with the situation. Officials are now weighing whether to deploy additional resources to the region in order to forcibly board the vessel.

The super-tanker, whose deteriorating structure and unknown cargo have raised international concern, has reportedly remained under close surveillance as U.S. authorities assess potential security, environmental, and sanctions-related risks. While details about the ship’s ownership and mission remain unclear, the tanker is believed to be linked to shadowy maritime networks that operate outside conventional shipping regulations.

According to insiders, discussions within U.S. agencies have intensified in recent days. One option under consideration would involve sending specialized teams to intercept and secure the ship if it refuses to comply with inspection requests. Such an operation would mark a rare and escalated intervention in international waters.

The situation unfolds against the backdrop of ongoing geopolitical tension in the Caribbean and South American maritime zones, where illegal oil shipments, sanctions evasion, and unregistered tankers have drawn increasing scrutiny from Washington. Rusted and poorly maintained vessels also pose environmental risks, particularly in ecologically fragile waters.

For now, the tanker remains under watch as U.S. officials continue to evaluate their next move. Whether the story ends with a negotiated boarding or a forced operation at sea, the case underscores the growing cat-and-mouse battles playing out across the world’s shipping lanes.

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