The Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has officially stated that no Georgian citizens are currently confirmed to be part of the crew of the tanker Veronica, which the United States seized in the Caribbean Sea on January 15.
In response to reports circulating in Georgian and international media suggesting that five Georgian sailors were on board when the vessel was detained, the ministry said that so far it has not received any confirmed information about Georgian nationals being detained. To clarify the situation, the Georgian Embassy in Washington, D.C. is actively communicating with US authorities and working to verify the available details.
Based on statements from the ministry, no official report has been received to date regarding the arrest or detention of Georgian citizens in connection with the tanker’s seizure. Officials emphasized that ongoing diplomatic efforts aim to clarify the circumstances and status of all crew members.
The tanker Veronica, reportedly sailing under the Guyanese flag was intercepted and seized by US Southern Command forces in international waters of the Caribbean Sea. US authorities say the operation was part of a broader effort to enforce sanctions and maritime restrictions related to Venezuela’s oil exports. This seizure is one of several recent interdictions of vessels accused of transporting oil in violation of US sanctions and maritime quarantines.
Earlier reports from family members of sailors who have lost contact with the tanker indicated concerns that Georgian crew members were aboard. These claims prompted media coverage and the Foreign Ministry’s public clarification. Georgian officials have reiterated that they will continue to monitor the situation closely and share updates once verified information is available.
Image: Footage from a video released by US Southern Command shows the Venezuela-linked tanker Veronica at sea, in this screen grab taken from a handout video released on January 15, 2026. US SOUTHERN COMMAND/Handout via REUTERS
