A Nicaragua-flagged oil tanker -- possibly part of the "shadow fleet" -- that ran aground off India is bringing attention to the government of Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega. File Photo by Miguel Gutierrez/EPA
July 8 (UPI) -- A Nicaragua-flagged oil tanker under investigation for allegedly transporting fuel subject to U.S. sanctions ran aground off India's western coast after breaking free from its anchor during severe weather.
India's Directorate of Revenue Intelligence said the vessel was unmanned when it ran aground, according to Nicaraguan news outlet 100% Noticias.
Indian authorities have identified the 597-foot MT Al Jafzia as part of a suspected "shadow fleet" used for clandestine maritime operations.
According to the investigation, the tanker allegedly switched off its tracking system to conduct ship-to-ship fuel transfers at sea, a practice commonly used to conceal the origin of oil cargoes.
