M/T Sophia

Thermal image of a vessel emitting smoke in the Atlantic Ocean on January 7, 2026, showcasing maritime activity in low visibility conditions.

U.S. Captures ‘Dark Fleet’ Tanker M/T Sophia

Adriana Stone
U.S. Southern Command and the Coast Guard boarded the stateless tanker M/T Sophia in a pre-dawn operation in the Caribbean. The vessel, tied to Venezuela's sanctions-evasion, is being escorted to the U.S. for processing under Operation Southern Spear.