Noem said Olina was part of a vast network of so-called "ghost fleet" tankers suspected of carrying embargoed oil. She stated that the ship had departed Venezuela and was attempting to evade U.S. forces.

She added that the operation was conducted in close coordination with the Department of Defense, the State Department, and the Department of Justice.

"The ghost fleets will not outrun justice. They will not hide under false claims of nationality. The Coast Guard will seize sanctioned oil tankers, enforce U.S. and international law, and eliminate these funding streams for illicit activity, including narco-terrorism," Noem said.