U.S. authorities confirmed two cyberattacks on commercial oil tankers bound for the United States, prompting joint investigations by the U.S. Coast Guard and FBI in late August. The incidents involved foreign-flagged vessels and led to onsite assessments to verify system integrity.
Coast Guard and FBI joint response: On August 21, a highly specialized team—including Coast Guard law enforcement, cyber protection members, and FBI cyber personnel—boarded a tanker in the Gulf of Mexico after it lost communication for over 30 hours following a suspected cyber intrusion. A second vessel was similarly assessed on August 24, according to a joint statement from both agencies. Authorities stated the measures were taken to ensure the integrity of operational and IT systems after indications of compromise by foreign cyber actors.
Vessel details and timeline: The first tanker was hacked while in the Strait of Gibraltar, according to sources cited by ABC News. The joint statement noted no reports of operational disruptions, vessel instability, physical danger to crews, or environmental impacts. Crew members were described as critical partners in mitigating threats. The second assessment followed a similar pattern, with authorities investigating the possibility of Iranian involvement amid ongoing U.S.-Iran tensions.
Investigation scope and potential actors: Sources told ABC News that investigators are examining whether Iran or another actor exploited regional conflicts to target the vessels. The FBI and Coast Guard have not publicly confirmed a perpetrator but emphasized the need to secure maritime cyber infrastructure. The joint statement reiterated that no operational or safety risks were identified during assessments.
Saudi airstrikes in Yemen: Separately, Saudi Arabia escalated airstrikes against Yemen’s Houthi rebels, continuing a pattern of intensified military action in the region. The strikes followed recent regional tensions but were not directly linked to the cyber incidents by U.S. authorities.