Two tankers compromised near U.S.

The FBI and Coast Guard boarded two oil tankers in the Gulf of Mexico between August 21 and 24 after hackers compromised their networks and took control of navigation, propulsion, and cargo systems.

VL Prosperity was one target

The VL Prosperity, a 333-meter tanker carrying over 2 million barrels of oil, was compromised on August 7 while traveling from Egypt to the United States. Hackers interfered with its speed and fuel systems and caused a communications blackout lasting more than a day.

Iran suspected in the attacks

U.S. officials are investigating whether Iran is behind the hacks. Iran has launched multiple cyberattacks in recent months following the U.S. and Israel-led military campaign that killed Iran's supreme leader in February.

Pattern of Iranian cyber retaliation

Iranian-backed hackers have compromised medical device maker Stryker, hacked Los Angeles transit systems, and breached over a hundred water facilities across the U.S. in response to American bombing campaigns.

No immediate danger reported

The FBI and Coast Guard statement confirmed there were no operational disruptions, vessel instability, physical danger to crews, or environmental impacts from the compromise.

“no reports of operational disruptions, vessel instability, physical danger to crews, or environmental impacts.”

Shipping networks remain vulnerable

Oil tankers and cargo vessels have complex networks controlling navigation, cargo organization, and ship operations. The incident shows how critical maritime infrastructure can be targeted by sophisticated hackers.