BZ CGC Alert (WMEC 630)
Congratulations to Port Canaveral's own CGC Alert (WMEC 630) for their exemplary performance.
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“The high seas are not a safe haven for criminal activity.”
The crew of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Alert (WMEC 630) played a key role in the successful interdiction of Motor Vessel Grace, a vessel suspected of illicitly trafficking fuel to Cuba as part of the “dark fleet.”
In early September, a Coast Guard tactical team boarded the vessel in the Caribbean Sea. Following the boarding, Alert escorted the vessel to Progreso, Mexico, where Mexican Navy inspectors discovered large amounts of fuel concealed in the vessel’s ballast tanks.
Transporting fuel in ballast tanks is a dangerous and illegal practice that poses a significant threat to the marine environment.
The coordinated effort between the United States Coast Guard and Mexico prevented a potential oil spill and stopped another illegal fuel shipment headed to Cuba.
“Illicit fuel shipments violate international law and pose severe environmental threats in the Caribbean Sea,” said Vice Adm. Nate Moore, Deputy Commandant for Operations.
Through coordinated maritime operations and international partnerships, Coast Guard crews continue working to counter illicit activity and protect the maritime environment throughout the Caribbean Sea.
Well done to the crew of Coast Guard Cutter Alert and all units involved.
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