The United States Coast Guard, in collaboration with the U.S. Navy, has intercepted a Nigerian-owned supertanker, Skipper, over allegations of crude oil theft, piracy, and other transnational crimes.
The vessel, a 20-year-old Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) bearing IMO Number 9304667, is reportedly managed by Nigeria-based Thomarose Global Ventures Ltd., while its registered owner is listed as Triton Navigation Corp., a company domiciled in the Marshall Islands.
Authorities who spoke with Vanguard said the Skipper was arrested while unlawfully flying the flag of Guyana. The Guyanese Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) has since confirmed that the vessel is not listed on its national registry and was using the Guyana flag without approval.
U.S. security sources disclosed that the seizure was carried out under American law enforcement authority. Former U.S. President Donald Trump announced the development on December 10, 2025, stating that the action was part of broader efforts to combat international criminal networks.
Beyond the oil theft allegations, the Skipper is also under investigation for allegedly transporting a significant consignment of hard drugs. U.S. officials suspect the vessel operates within a broader network tied to Iranian-linked groups and Islamist-backed money laundering schemes.
Checks at the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) revealed that Thomarose Global Ventures Ltd., the Nigerian company said to manage the vessel, is currently listed as inactive.
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