US Coast Guard intercepts Cuba-bound vessel Grace carrying fuel in ballast tanks

The US Coast Guard says it intercepted the vessel Grace in the Caribbean Sea as it carried fuel towards Cuba, gCaptain reports. After the boarding, the ship was escorted to Progreso in Mexico, where Mexican Navy inspectors confirmed large quantities of fuel in its ballast tanks and found further fuel in containers on board. The Coast Guard did not disclose the amount or type of fuel, or the ship's owner or flag. It said a second vessel, the Jaira Provider, had also been boarded and detained for carrying illicit fuel to Cuba. Coast Guard commandant Admiral Kevin Lunday said 'dark fleet' operators using deceptive tactics "will not evade justice".

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