US Forces Board Sanctioned Tanker in Indian Ocean, Pentagon Says
US forces conducted an interdiction of the sanctioned stateless oil tanker Davina overnight in the Indian Ocean, the U.S. military’s Indo-Pacific Command said on Friday. This marks the latest development in Washington’s efforts to disrupt illicit networks and interdict vessels providing material support to Iran.
The Davina, a supertanker capable of carrying up to two million barrels of crude oil, was placed under US sanctions in October 2024 for Iranian oil trading, according to ship tracking data. The vessel, also known as the Lenore, was last seen on June 5 off Sri Lanka’s southern coast, ship tracking data on the MarineTraffic platform showed on Friday.
Sanctions and Blockades: A Global Maritime Enforcement Effort
The US has imposed a blockade on Iran’s sea trade while Tehran has fired on ships to prevent them sailing through the Strait of Hormuz waterway at the entrance to the Middle East Gulf. This ongoing standoff has led to increased maritime enforcement efforts by Washington, with multiple commercial and oil tankers being intercepted in the Indian Ocean in recent months.
“We will continue global maritime enforcement to disrupt illicit networks and interdict vessels providing material support to Iran, wherever they operate,” the Indo-Pacific Command wrote in an X post. This statement underscores the Pentagon’s commitment to disrupting illegal activities at sea.
Vessel Details and Tracking Data
The Davina was almost fully laden with an oil cargo, separate shipping data showed. The vessel’s draft indicated that it was carrying a significant amount of crude oil, further highlighting the significance of this interdiction.
The incident highlights the ongoing efforts by US forces to enforce sanctions and disrupt illegal activities at sea. As global maritime enforcement continues to play a crucial role in disrupting illicit networks, these developments will be closely watched by international observers.
Original Article: US Forces Board Sanctioned Tanker in Indian Ocean, Pentagon Says — Gcaptain