Sanctioned Tanker Enters Venezuelan Waters Despite US Blockade

An oil and chemical tanker sanctioned by the United States has entered Venezuelan waters, ship tracking data showed, despite President Trump declaring a “total and complete blockade” of such vessels transiting the country.

The Gambia-flagged ship, named the Hyperion, was seen near a refinery off Venezuela’s Amuay Bay on Friday after sailing through the Caribbean, according to ship tracking data.

The ship had been sanctioned by the US on January 10, 2025, as part of efforts to reduce Russian revenues from energy.

CNN has reached out to the US State department for comment.