U.S. forces intercepted the sanctioned tanker Aquila II in the Indian Ocean after a lengthy pursuit spanning over 10,000 nautical miles. This operation underscores the U.S. commitment to enforcing sanctions against vessels linked to Russia and Venezuela, marking a significant move in maritime law enforcement efforts.
The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has released its report on the April 25, 2024, collision between the crude oil tanker Apache and the trawler Serinah in the Firth of Clyde. Both vessels failed to adhere to collision prevention regulations, resulting in Serinah sinking rapidly, though all crew members were unharmed.
A Zodiac Maritime tanker, Horten, rescued a Belgian rower after his boat, City of Liverpool, capsized in the Atlantic Ocean during the World’s Toughest Row Race. The rower, caught in 13 to 15-foot seas, deployed his life raft. The crew located and saved him after nearly 24 hours in distress.
On Wednesday night, the US Coast Guard Sector San Juan and the crew of the Liberian-flagged tanker Horten rescued 47-year-old Benoit Bourguet, who capsized during the World’s Toughest Row Race. After deploying his life raft and activating his emergency beacon, Bourguet was found dehydrated but safe after nearly 24 hours at sea.
The oil tanker Qendil, part of Russia’s “shadow fleet,” ran aground near Turkey’s Bozcaada island while empty. The Turkish Directorate General of Coastal Safety dispatched tugboats for assistance. This incident follows a drone attack by Ukraine, marking the country’s intensified efforts against Russia’s oil infrastructure amidst ongoing sanctions.
On December 30, an oil vessel was detained in Selangor’s waters for allegedly anchoring without permission. The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) reported the vessel’s apprehension, revealing that while the crew had valid IDs, the captain lacked authorization documents. An arrest warrant was issued, highlighting the need for compliance with maritime regulations.
Iran has seized a foreign oil tanker near Qeshm Island, claiming it was transporting 4 million liters of smuggled fuel. Sixteen foreign crew members were detained. This incident follows another seizure in the Gulf of Oman, highlighting Iran’s crackdown on fuel smuggling amid low domestic prices and currency devaluation.
The U.S.-blacklisted tanker Bella 1, intercepted near Venezuela, has a complicated history tied to terrorist financing in Southeast Asia and the Middle East. Previously registered in Panama, it was en route to load oil when seized, marking a significant escalation in U.S. maritime enforcement efforts against the Maduro government.
Ukrainian drones targeted a tanker in Rostov-on-Don, causing casualties and a significant fire, as confirmed by the city’s mayor. Emergency teams are battling the blaze, while regional governor Yuri Slyusar reported injuries among the crew. Fortunately, an oil leak was averted, but damage to nearby structures was extensive.
Iranian authorities have detained 18 crew members from a foreign tanker in the Gulf of Oman, alleging the vessel was transporting 6 million liters of smuggled fuel. This incident highlights Iran’s ongoing battle against fuel smuggling, which exacerbates economic challenges amid sanctions and a struggling economy.
On December 12, U.S. authorities seized the M/T Skipper off Venezuela’s coast, shortly before a court-issued warrant expired. This operation underscores U.S. sanctions against Venezuelan oil, enforcing measures initiated in 2019. The seizure has heightened tensions between Washington and Caracas, with plans for further interceptions of sanctioned oil shipments.
Stena Bulk has reflagged its Suezmax tanker, Stena Surprise, under the Swedish flag, a significant milestone for Swedish shipping. The ceremony in Nynäshamn was attended by Minister Andreas Carlson. This move enhances Sweden’s maritime presence and supports a competitive, sustainable fleet, marking the first Suezmax vessels in the Swedish register.
Ukraine has intensified its maritime offensive, launching a third sea drone attack on the Comoros-flagged Dashan in the Black Sea. This strike targets Russia’s oil trade amid rising tensions, while the Ukrainian Security Service confirmed two previous attacks on other tankers, indicating a coordinated strategy amid ongoing sanctions.
The NATO Shipping Centre has issued an advisory for mariners following recent drone strikes on unladen tankers in the Black Sea. These incidents have raised serious safety concerns, prompting operators to adopt Best Management Practices. Insurers have reacted with increased war premiums, reflecting the heightened risks in this critical maritime region.
The United Seamen’s Service honored Crowley mariners at the 2025 AOTOS Awards, celebrating their bravery and commitment to safety. The crew of the tanker Stena Immaculate received special recognition for heroic actions during a North Sea collision, while El Coquí earned accolades for rescuing stranded U.S. boaters in the Atlantic.
