An oil tanker seized by the US military off the coast of Venezuela was found to be flying the flag of Guyana. In a statement last evening, the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) of Guyana said the oil tanker bearing the name “SKIPPER” had no authority to be using the flag of Guyana as the vessel was not registered in Guyana.

MARAD said it was informed by the Government of the United States of America (USA) that they have encountered the tanker, SKIPPER (ex-ADISA), in International Waters.

MARAD said the oil tanker was found to be falsely flying the Guyana Flag, as it is not registered in Guyana.

The Maritime Administration Department said it will continue to reach out to and work with international partners and other maritime agencies to identify, pursue, and take firm action against any unauthorised use of the Guyana Flag.

There have been other cases of vessels not linked to Guyana and not registered in Guyana found flying the flag of Guyana.

The US Government on Wednesday announced the seizure of the oil tanker by its military personnel in international waters off the coast of Venezuela, after the tanker was reportedly loaded with oil in Venezuela.

In releasing a video recording of the seizure, US Attorney General Pam Bondi described the vessel as a “crude oil tanker used to transport sanctioned oil from Venezuela and Iran”.

The Venezuelan Government denounced the seizure, calling it an act of “international piracy”.

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