US Coast Guard Cutter Returns After 60 Days At Sea, Escorts Two Sanctioned Oil Tankers

The crew of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Mohawk has returned to its homeport in Key West after completing a 60-day patrol in the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of America, during which it escorted two sanctioned oil tankers seized in enforcement actions.

The patrol was conducted in support of Operation Southern Spear and involved cooperation with Department of War and Department of Homeland Security assets, along with other Coast Guard units.

During the deployment, Mohawk’s crew supported the boarding and escort of two vessels accused of violating international sanctions through the illicit trade of crude oil.

The two escort operations lasted a combined 17 days and covered approximately 2,700 nautical miles.

The first case began on 20 December, when a Coast Guard tactical law enforcement team, supported by the Department of War, intercepted and boarded the Panamanian-flagged motor tanker Centuries.

Following the boarding, Mohawk escorted the vessel from the Caribbean Sea to the Gulf of America.

The tanker later moored for further disposition in coordination with its flag state. Separate information indicated that the vessel transited to an anchorage off Galveston, where it remains.

A second operation followed on 15 January, when a Coast Guard tactical team with Department of War support intercepted and seized the Venezuelan-linked Aframax motor tanker Veronica (Galileo, IMO 9256860). Mohawk was tasked to return to the Caribbean Sea to conduct escort duties.

After a boarding by a joint warfare team, the cutter accompanied the tanker to a secure anchorage in the Caribbean Sea. Additional details stated that the vessel later transited to an anchorage off Puerto Rico under escort.

Reference: USCG

Source: Maritime Shipping News