The US Coast Guard intercepted a cargo ship named Grace on 5 September while it carried fuel bound for Cuba in the Caribbean Sea between Cuba and Mexico. The vessel was 91 metres long and employed tactics to evade authorities, according to the Coast Guard's account.
The interception occurred as the Trump administration enforces an oil embargo against Cuba. The Coast Guard described the Grace as using what are known as "dark fleet" tactics, methods employed by ships to obscure their identity and movements to circumvent sanctions and embargo enforcement.
After boarding the vessel, US authorities took it to Mexico. The Guardian and New York Times both reported on the seizure, which marks another instance of US enforcement action against fuel shipments destined for the island nation.
The embargo against Cuba has created acute fuel shortages on the island. Ships attempting to deliver fuel, refined products, and other goods to Cuba routinely employ techniques such as disabling tracking systems, changing vessel names and flags, and operating without proper documentation to avoid detection by US and allied authorities.
The interception reflects heightened enforcement activity under the current US administration. Cuba has faced chronic energy shortages in recent years, with the fuel embargo contributing to widespread power cuts and economic strain across the island.