UN Calls for Adherence to International Law After U.S. Seizure of Oil Tanker in Caribbean

The United Nations has reiterated its call for adherence to international law after the U.S. Coast Guard seized the oil tanker Olina in Caribbean waters. This incident marks the fifth seizure of similar vessels by the U.S. in recent months.

During a press briefing, UN Secretary-General spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric remarked:
"We do not have all the details of the operation, but it is essential to uphold international law, particularly in international waters."

According to The Wall Street Journal, the tanker Olina was intercepted near Trinidad. Ship tracking site VesselFinder noted that the vessel was previously registered under the flags of East Timor and São Tomé and Príncipe but is currently sailing under an unidentified flag and is subject to sanctions from the U.S., European Union, and United Kingdom.

This action is part of a broader series of U.S. measures targeting oil tankers en route to Venezuela, raising significant questions about the rights of vessels and the principle of freedom of navigation in international waters.