US Coast Guard discloses interception of fuel-bound ship Grace headed for Cuba

The US Coast Guard disclosed on Friday that it had intercepted a large cargo ship named “Grace” carrying fuel bound for Cuba, as the Trump administration’s oil embargo against the island continues (Reuters).

The 300-foot (91-metre) vessel was stopped on 5 September in the Caribbean Sea between Cuba and Mexico after using “dark fleet” manoeuvres to evade authorities, according to the New York Times, citing a Coast Guard statement. The Coast Guard said: “Grace was transiting to Cuba, carrying fuel, and was believed to be employing tactics common amongst the dark fleet.”

A Coast Guard team boarded the ship and escorted it to Mexico, where a Mexican Navy inspection team “confirmed the presence of large quantities of fuel in the vessel’s ballast tanks”. The vessel was also carrying several containers believed to contain illicit fuel.

“The high seas are not a sanctuary for lawlessness. Dark fleet actors who employ deceptive tactics to engage in illicit activities will not evade justice,” said Coast Guard commandant Adm. Kevin Lunday.

The Trump administration has openly stated its goal is to change Cuba’s government, and a US-imposed oil blockade implemented earlier this year has strained the country with fuel shortages and blackouts. Oil shipments from Venezuela and Mexico ended abruptly after the US ousted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in January. It was unclear how much fuel “Grace” was carrying, and Coast Guard officials said the Cuba destination assessment was based on intelligence.