The OFAC-sanctioned oil tanker SANDINO (IMO: 9441178) changed course north of Cuba to avoid possible seizure by the US Navy destroyer USS Stockdale (DDG-106) in international waters during the 59-minute reporting window from 3:16:37 PM to 4:16:33 PM UTC on February 6, 2026, according to an X post by AeroNoticiasVE citing FlconEYES. The tanker carries an estimated 45,000-50,000 tons of fuel, confirmed by its 10.5-meter draft. The maneuver reflects heightened US Navy presence checking Cuba's 'shadow fleet' supplying the Cuban regime, as stated in the X post (https://x.com/AeroNoticiasVE/status/2019802255923261885). This escalation occurs amid ongoing US aid distribution in eastern Cuba, where US Charge d'Affaires Mike Hammer continued tours of aid sites donated by the United States, according to an X post by MagJorgeCastro citing USEmbCuba (https://x.com/MagJorgeCastro/status/2019798054400827458). Hammer's regional visits underscore US support for Cubans, with recipients expressing gratitude for the aid gesture in the post. This development follows Clandestinos from Cuba First painting a 'Viva Trump' sign on Havana's Malecón seawall earlier on February 6 during the prior 30-minute window from 2:46:25 PM to 3:16:30 PM UTC, as reported by Jorge Castro on X.
