U.S.-sanctioned oil and chemical tankers have entered Venezuelan waters, ship-tracking data shows, despite US President Donald Trump declaring a “total and complete blockade” of such ships transiting through the country.
The Gambian-flagged ship, named Hyperion, was spotted near a refinery off Venezuela’s Amuay Gulf on Friday after sailing through the Caribbean Sea, according to ship tracking data.
The ship had been sanctioned by the United States on January 10, 2025, as part of efforts to reduce Russia’s energy revenues.
CNN has reached out to the US State Department for comment.
Venezuela earlier this week denounced the blockade as a “reckless and serious threat.” He declared that he would continue to protect sovereignty and national interests.
Last week, President Trump ordered the blockade after the United States seized a sanctioned oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela.
Some international treaties consider blockades to be acts of war.
Last week, the United States announced sanctions against shipping companies and vessels it says help transport Venezuelan oil. Three nephews of President Nicolas Maduro’s wife, Cilia Flores, and another pro-Maduro businessman were also named on the sanctions list.
The United States on Friday imposed additional sanctions on other Maduro family members, including his sister-in-law.
The sanctions are part of a months-long pressure campaign against the Venezuelan government. The United States has carried out deadly military attacks in the Caribbean and Pacific Ocean and increased economic pressure on Caracas as part of what it calls a war on drug trafficking.
President Maduro said the United States seeks regime change as well as ownership of Venezuela’s territory and resources. The United States resists that characterization, accusing Maduro of being an illegal drug trafficker.
