Tankers collide in Gulf of Oman

[ombugge]

Laden Frontline VLCC collides with shadow suezmax tanker off Khorfakkan -...

The incident highlights the persistent navigational challenges in one of the world’s busiest maritime arteries with clear GPS spoofing involved in the run-up to the accident, and comes at a time when ship operators are under increased pressure in the region thanks to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran.
Officials state that, at present, no foul play is suspected, and the fires have been contained. An investigation into the cause of the collision is underway.

This incident occurs amidst recent warnings from the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) and the US-led Combined Maritime Force’s Joint Maritime Information Centre (JMIC) regarding increased electronic interference in the region, particularly near Iran’s port of Bandar Abbas, which has affected vessels’ ability to accurately transmit AIS positional data. Voyage playback shows the Front Eagle’s trip was clearly hit by GPS spoofing.