Latest maritime security updates and reports
Splash247
Splash247 reports that the United States has sanctioned 12 vessels linked to Iran as tensions escalate in the Middle East. The Office of Foreign Assets Control aims to curb Tehran's use of financial systems for illicit activities, including oil sales and weapons procurement.
gCaptain
A confrontation involving a Florida-registered speedboat and Cuban Border Guard forces in Cuban territorial waters resulted in four deaths and six injuries, as reported by gCaptain. This incident has heightened diplomatic tensions between the United States and Cuba.
Seatrade Maritime
Seatrade Maritime reports that Pole Star Global has emphasized the need for improved persistent tracking methods at sea due to the increasing incidents of Automatic Identification System (AIS) spoofing and GPS jamming. This call for action comes amid a spike in cyberattacks targeting maritime operations.
gCaptain
U.S. forces have boarded the oil tanker Bertha in the Indian Ocean, as part of an intensified campaign against vessels involved in transporting illicit goods, reports gCaptain. This marks the tenth vessel seized or interdicted in the ongoing operation.
Splash247
US naval forces have boarded the tanker Bertha, flagged by the Cook Islands, within the US Indo-Pacific Command Area of Responsibility in the Indian Ocean, as reported by Splash247. The US Department of War stated that the operation was a 'right-of-visit maritime interdiction and boarding' conducted without incident.
gCaptain
Iran is nearing an agreement with China to acquire supersonic anti-ship cruise missiles, as reported by gCaptain. This development comes amid the deployment of a significant U.S. naval presence near the Iranian coast, potentially in preparation for strikes against the Islamic Republic.
Splash247
The European Council has extended the EU's maritime security operation, EUNAVFOR ASPIDES, in the Red Sea until February 28 next year, albeit with a reduced annual budget, as reported by Splash247. This decision underscores the EU's ongoing commitment to ensuring maritime security and regional stability.
gCaptain
The European Union has decided to extend its naval mission, EUNAVFOR ASPIDES, in the Red Sea through February 28, 2027, as reported by gCaptain. Nearly €15 million has been allocated to continue safeguarding commercial shipping in the region.
gCaptain
As reported by gCaptain, a joint operation by the U.S. Coast Guard and Marine special operations team was launched from the USS in December 2025, underscoring the shift in maritime enforcement challenges. While detection capabilities have improved, the main issue now lies in the attribution of maritime activities.
Seatrade Maritime
Seatrade Maritime reports that a reward of EUR500,000 has been offered on LinkedIn for information regarding the location of the tanker Omra, which is allegedly operating under a false flag. The vessel is part of the so-called 'dark fleet', known for avoiding detection.
