The oil rig is 50 miles off shore. The travelling oil probably didn’t come within the 3 mile limit for some days. So how can the US government stop ships from entering the Gulf of Mexicao over 3 miles away from our shores?
The US Gov can't.
Do you think this large ship will do this out of the goodness of their government? No a chance. Only the USA gives stuff out for free.
They want paid!!!!
So they have to comply with the wishes of the US.