[M T]

Ok, it isn't directly the war in Ukraine, but this is about a shadow fleet vessel.

Is anyone else confused and concerned about the fact that, with all the naval and air power the US had in the Caribbean, the US apparently wasn't able to stop and board the oil tanker that evaded us and now is claiming Russian protection?
NYT:

U.S. officials said the Coast Guard tried to intercept Bella 1 in the Caribbean after determining that it was not flying a valid national flag, making it subject to boarding under international law. But the ship did not comply and continued sailing. It has been pursued by U.S. forces ever since.

American officials have not publicly explained why the Coast Guard is waiting to board the tanker, which is not capable of outrunning U.S. vessels.

But boarding the fleeing Bella 1 would require a specialized boarding team capable of securing a moving vessel with a potentially hostile crew. It is unusual for civilian tankers to flee from such operations. The crews of two other tankers intercepted by U.S. forces near Venezuela this month both agreed to be boarded.

[M T]

Ok, it isn't directly the war in Ukraine, but this is about a shadow fleet vessel.

Is anyone else confused and concerned about the fact that, with all the naval and air power the US had in the Caribbean, the US apparently wasn't able to stop and board the oil tanker that evaded us and now is claiming Russian protection?
NYT:

U.S. officials said the Coast Guard tried to intercept Bella 1 in the Caribbean after determining that it was not flying a valid national flag, making it subject to boarding under international law. But the ship did not comply and continued sailing. It has been pursued by U.S. forces ever since.

American officials have not publicly explained why the Coast Guard is waiting to board the tanker, which is not capable of outrunning U.S. vessels.

But boarding the fleeing Bella 1 would require a specialized boarding team capable of securing a moving vessel with a potentially hostile crew. It is unusual for civilian tankers to flee from such operations. The crews of two other tankers intercepted by U.S. forces near Venezuela this month both agreed to be boarded.