It is usually hurricanes that cause a state of emergency in the Caribbean. But since last autumn, other storm clouds have been gathering over the sea region between North and South America - in the form of the steadily escalating conflict between the United States and Venezuela.
Capture of Nicolás Maduro
What began with deadly American attacks on speedboats of alleged drug couriers of Venezuelan cartels and a sea blockade against oil exports, including the seizure of a tanker of the shadow fleet, culminated in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife by American special forces.
Tense calm in the region
A tense calm has prevailed off the coast of Venezuela since then: on the one hand, because the USA has reserved the right to take further military action in view of the current political developments in Venezuela and continues to maintain a massive presence with the U.S. Navy, and on the other hand, because US President Donald Trump has now also threatened other countries bordering the Caribbean, including Colombia, Cuba and Mexico - not to mention his previously expressed interest in controlling the Panama Canal. The intensified
Caution off the coast of Venezuela
The Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency has already reacted to the numerous incidents and the overall "volatile security situation", which also facilitates piracy and gang crime. Together with the Ministry of Transport, SOLAS danger level 2 has been declared for ships flying the German flag in Venezuela's 24 nautical mile zone. The same applies to the coastal waters of the eastern neighbouring countries of Guyana, Suriname and French Guyana.
SOLAS hazard level 2
SOLAS danger level 2 is the second of three levels, which recommends, among other things, increased vigilance, especially at anchor. Navigation and collision avoidance systems should also be checked regularly. The publication was made in the official News for Seafarers (NfS) 51-52/2025.
