A Coast Guard cutter returned to Florida after recently escorting a seized motor tanker.
The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Vigilant (WMEC 617) returned to Cape Canaveral in Central Florida after a 33-day patrol in the Caribbean Sea supporting operations Pacific Viper and Southern Spear.
During the patrol, Vigilant escorted a motor tanker, which was seized by a U.S. Coast Guard tactical boarding team with support from the Department of War, for operating as a vessel without nationality in the Caribbean Sea.
Vigilant’s crew coordinated with naval and law enforcement partners to transfer personnel and provisions to the tanker. A law enforcement team from Vigilant boarded the vessel to provide security during the 600-nautical-mile transit to the United States.
“I am proud of the crew’s adaptability and professionalism during this mission of national importance,” said Cmdr. Steve Welch, commanding officer of Vigilant. “Their performance ensured the safe execution of the operation in partnership with the Department of War.”
Unique statutory authorities enable the Coast Guard to enforce international and domestic law in the maritime domain, deploying assets to conduct missions in U.S. waters and on the high seas. The Coast Guard’s involvement in this seizure was conducted under Title 14, U.S. Code and in accordance with customary international law. The Coast Guard exercises these authorities to protect maritime safety, security, and U.S. interests.
Vigilant is a 210-foot Reliance-class medium endurance cutter. The cutter’s primary missions are search and rescue, counter drug operations, migrant interdiction, and enforcement of federal fisheries in support of U.S. Coast Guard operations.
U.S. Coast Guard Southeast District (CGD-SE) is responsible for Coast Guard activities throughout a 1.7 million square mile area including Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, as well as 34 foreign nations and territories.
PHOTOS: U.S. Coast Guard photos by Petty Officer 2nd Class Brandon Feehery
U.S. Coast Guard crewmembers transfer from the Coast Guard Cutter Vigilant (WMEC 617) to a motor tanker by a helicopter crew assigned to U.S. Navy Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 9 in the Atlantic Ocean in January 2026. Vigilant escorted the tanker, which was seized by a joint Coast Guard and Department of War team for conducting illicit activities in the Caribbean Sea. Coast Guard Cutter Vigilant’s (WMEC 617) small boat crew comes alongside a motor tanker in the Atlantic Ocean, Jan. 7, 2026. Vigilant escorted the motor tanker, which was seized by a Coast Guard tactical boarding team with support from the Department of War, for operating as a vessel without nationality in the Caribbean Sea. (U.S. Coast Guard)
