FBI, Coast Guard boarded hacked oil tankers heading toward US coast

Live updates

1. 31d ago

   FBI and Coast Guard Confirm Malicious Cyber Activity on Texas-Bound Tankers

   The FBI and US Coast Guard Cyber Command confirmed that multiagency teams boarded the VL Prosperity and a second foreign-flagged oil tanker in the Gulf of Mexico. Investigators detected malicious cyber activity that disabled satellite communications for nearly 30 hours during transit near Gibraltar. While forensic teams evaluate IT and control systems, officials report no physical dangers to crews or operational instability. Some investigators state that hackers successfully accessed the propulsion system of a supertanker approaching Texas this summer.

   Why it matters

   The tankers are linked to Iran, a nation currently facing an energy crunch and internal political divisions over negotiations with Washington. These vessels are carrying crude oil, which has been banned in the US for decades.

   What is confirmed

   • The FBI and US Coast Guard boarded the VL Prosperity and a second foreign-flagged tanker in the Gulf of Mexico.
   • A suspected cyber breach knocked out satellite communications for nearly 30 hours near Gibraltar.
   • Federal investigators found evidence that hackers accessed the propulsion system of an oil supertanker approaching Texas.
   • No physical dangers to crews or operational instability were reported.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The interdicted tankers are carrying 600 million dollars worth of crude oil.
   • The vessels involved are the Tifani and Majestic X.

   What to watch next

   • Results of forensic evaluations on onboard IT and control systems
   • Official confirmation of the identity of the second boarded vessel
   • US government decision on the seizure of the vessels and cargo
   Sources used for this update (12)

   1. www.iranintl.com — Khamenei adviser says Tehran can negotiate, hardliners say it must not
   2. www.iranintl.com — War deepens Iran’s energy crunch ahead of winter
   3. www.wionews.com — Report: US Coast Guard finds proof of malicious cyber activity
   4. www.iranintl.com — Iran warns oil pollution spreading along southern coast could last years | Iran International
   5. www.marinelink.com — Government & Military News - MarineLink
   6. gardnermagazine.com — Top U.S. National News of the Week – Gardner News Magazine: Local News & Articles in Gardner MA
   7. gcaptain.com — USCG Archives – gCaptain
   8. article.wn.com — Iran-Linked Oil Tankers Seized by Navy Sailing Toward US
   9. article.wn.com — Seized Iranian Oil Tankers Head Toward U.S. With $600 Million ...
   10. www.hklaw.com — Recent Cyber Incidents Underscore the Need for Maritime ...
   11. www.ttnews.com — Officials: Hackers accessed oil tanker’s propulsion system
   12. www.gate.com — Hackers Breach Propulsion System of U.S.-Bound Tanker This ...
   confidence 90%
2. 45d ago

   FBI and Coast Guard Board Two Cyberattacked Tankers Bound for US

   The FBI and US Coast Guard have boarded two energy tankers heading toward the American coast following cyberattacks. One commercial oil tanker was bound for Texas, specifically Galveston. Authorities are investigating cyber breaches on these vessels to determine the risk and extent of the compromise. Reports indicate the attacks may have targeted the ships' satellite links. While US officials are probing the incidents, Iran claims hackers targeted a massive oil tanker destined for Galveston.

   Why it matters

   Cyberattacks on maritime energy transport can threaten national energy security and port safety. These incidents highlight vulnerabilities in the satellite communication systems used for vessel navigation and coordination.

   What is confirmed

   • The FBI and Coast Guard boarded two energy tankers due to cyberattacks.
   • The vessels were bound for the United States coast.
   • One commercial oil tanker was bound for Texas.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Hackers targeted the satellite links of the ships.
   • An LNG tanker with US cargo was a victim of a cyberattack.

   What to watch next

   • Identification of the specific hacking group responsible for the breaches
   • Official US government confirmation regarding the origin of the attacks
   • Findings from the FBI investigation into the compromised ship systems
   Sources used for this update (9)

   1. CBS News — Coast Guard, FBI boarded Texas-bound commercial oil tanker to investigate cyberattack
   2. WSJ — U.S. Probes Cyberattacks on Energy Tankers Bound for American Coast
   3. CBS News — Coast Guard and FBI boarded 2 energy tankers due to cyberattacks. How big is the risk?
   4. KHOU — Iran says hackers launched a cyberattack on a massive oil tanker bound for Galveston
   5. gCaptain — Authorities Investigating Cyber Breaches Aboard Two U.S.-Bound Ships
   6. TechCrunch — FBI, Coast Guard boarded hacked oil tankers heading toward US coast
   7. militarytimes.com — Coast Guard boards US-bound vessels apparently compromised by hackers, officials say
   8. Bloomberg.com — LNG Tanker With US Cargo Reported to Be Victim of Cyberattack
   9. Financial Times — Hackers target ships’ satellite links
   confidence 90%