US Coast Guard and FBI Investigate Cyberattacks on Tankers Bound for America

The U.S. Coast Guard has confirmed it boarded a tanker transiting the Gulf of Mexico in August after discovering the vessel's network had been compromised by suspected foreign hackers. The boarding, which took place on August 21, involved a joint team of Coast Guard law enforcement, a Coast Guard Cyber Protection Team, a vessel inspector, and FBI Cyber Action Team operators. Officials said there have been no reports of operational disruption, vessel instability, crew danger, or environmental harm.

The incident follows reporting from the Wall Street Journal that at least two tankers bound for the U.S. were targeted by cyberattacks, with one identified as the VL Prosperity. An Iranian state-linked outlet reported the ship lost communications for 30 hours and that a crew member claimed attackers were able to interfere with engine speed and disable fuel and oil tank systems. No hacking group has claimed responsibility, and authorities have not confirmed a motive or attribution. A second vessel was reportedly boarded on August 24.

The Coast Guard says it continues to work with port operators and maritime stakeholders to keep operations running safely. The timing coincides with a separate cyberattack on North Carolina Ports, which forced a shift to manual operations just a day before the alleged tanker incident, suggesting maritime infrastructure may be facing a wider wave of targeting.