● Covered by 2 sources · 2 reportsMedium impact2 neutral
US Coast Guard and FBI Board Two Oil Tankers After Cyberattacks During Voyage
Key points
- Two oil tankers were boarded by US authorities after cyberattacks.
- The VL Prosperity experienced engine, navigation, and communication disruptions.
- Investigators found evidence of a malicious cyber actor.
- The Coast Guard recently announced a new Office of Maritime Cybersecurity Policy.
- FBI and Coast Guard boarded the tankers in the Gulf of Mexico.
- Boardings occurred between August 21 and August 24.
- One vessel's cargo systems were compromised.
- The captain, crew, and owner's staff cooperated with agencies.
Tankers Boarded Following Cyber Incidents
Last month, US Coast Guard and FBI personnel boarded two oil tankers en route to Texas after cyberattacks disrupted their operations. One of the vessels, the Liberian-flagged crude tanker VL Prosperity, departed Egypt on August 1 and was reportedly attacked on August 7 while passing through the Strait of Gibraltar. The second ship was boarded on August 24, with both boardings occurring after the vessels reached the Gulf of Mexico.
Details of the Cyberattack
According to reports, the cyber intrusion on the VL Prosperity affected the engine room, leading to slowed coolant flow, increased engine speed, and interference with fuel delivery. Hackers also allegedly accessed navigation and cargo systems and cut off the ship's communications for approximately 30 hours. A team including Coast Guard cyber specialists, law enforcement, and FBI Cyber Action Team members spent four days aboard the VL Prosperity for investigation.
Investigation and Broader Context
Rear Adm. Amy Grable, commander of Coast Guard Cyber Command, confirmed that investigators found evidence of a malicious cyber actor after reviewing the vessel's IT and onboard systems, though nothing suggested the tanker was unsafe to operate. The Coast Guard has not publicly linked the incident to Iran, and investigators are still determining if the two tanker incidents are connected or if a state actor is responsible. This event follows the US Coast Guard's announcement of a new Office of Maritime Cybersecurity Policy, indicating a focus on addressing cyber threats in the maritime sector.
Updates
- FBI and Coast Guard boarded the tankers in the Gulf of Mexico.
- Boardings occurred between August 21 and August 24.
- One vessel's cargo systems were compromised.
- The captain, crew, and owner's staff cooperated with agencies.
✨ This summary was generated by AI from the outlets' reporting listed below. It is not independently verified and may contain errors — check the original sources. How BrevFeed works →
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How outlets covered it
The FBI and U.S. Coast Guard boarded two oil tankers in the Gulf of Mexico after hackers reportedly compromised at least one vessel's navigation, propulsion, and cargo systems. This incident highlights the vulnerability of global logistics networks, including shipping vessels and oil tankers, to cyberattacks.
US Coast Guard and FBI personnel boarded two oil tankers bound for Texas last month following cyberattacks that disrupted the vessels during their journey. Investigators found evidence of a malicious cyber actor on one ship, the VL Prosperity, which reportedly experienced interference with engine, navigation, and communication systems. This incident highlights ongoing cyber threats to the maritime sector, prompting the Coast Guard to establish a dedicated Office of Maritime Cybersecurity Policy.