The U.S. Coast Guard is preparing to board the sanctioned Venezuelan oil tanker Bella 1, which has ignored previous boarding requests. According to a U.S. official and a source, the operation may involve one of two specialized Maritime Security Response Teams. This follows the recent seizure of two tankers near Venezuela, including the Centuries, highlighting ongoing challenges in maritime security. The situation underscores the Coast Guard's resource constraints amid expanding duties, as geopolitical tensions contribute to market volatility. The Gerald Ford team was unable to act due to distance, emphasizing the need for strategic deployment of resources in such operations.