FBI and Coast Guard Board Compromised Oil Tankers En Route to US

The FBI and U.S. Coast Guard boarded two oil tankers bound for American shores last month following reports that hackers had compromised the vessels’ critical systems. According to a joint statement provided to TechCrunch, the operation took place in the Gulf of Mexico between August 21 and August 24 to verify the integrity of the ships’ operational and information technology networks.

The incident highlights the growing vulnerability of global shipping logistics to cyberattacks. Large tankers rely on intricate, ship-spanning networks to manage navigation, cargo, and essential services, making them attractive targets for malicious actors.

CBS News confirmed that one of the vessels is the VL Prosperity, a 333-meter tanker capable of carrying more than 2 million barrels of oil. Tracking data indicates the vessel is currently positioned in the Gulf of Mexico. The network was reportedly breached on August 7 while the ship traveled from Egypt to the United States, with hackers interfering with speed and fuel controls. The tanker also experienced a communications blackout lasting over 24 hours.

While the identity of the attackers remains unclear, U.S. officials are investigating potential links to Iran. This incident follows a surge in cyberactivity by Iranian-backed groups since the onset of the U.S.- and Israel-led conflict with Tehran, which resulted in the death of Iran’s supreme leader in February. Iranian hackers have recently targeted a medical device manufacturer, the Los Angeles mass transit system, and over 100 U.S. water facilities. CISA has described these actions as opportunistic.

A Coast Guard spokesperson did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the names of the involved vessels. Officials emphasized that the joint statement found no evidence of operational disruptions, vessel instability, physical danger to crews, or environmental harm resulting from the hack.