Sanctioned Iranian VLCC Sevda Ablaze off Jask Following U.S. Navy Strikes

The sanctioned Iranian-flagged Suezmax Sevda was observed on fire and damaged 11.5 nautical miles southeast of the Bandar-e Jask headland on May 9, according to Sentinel-2 satellite imagery and NASA FIRMS infrared data. The vessel remained afloat with smoke visible from the stern.

CENTCOM confirmed that U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornets struck Sevda and two other OFAC-sanctioned Iranian VLCCs (Hasna and Sea Star III) on May 6 and May 8, using 20mm cannon fire and precision-guided munitions. The stated intent was to disable propulsion and steering systems without sinking the vessels.

Satellite imagery from May 9 shows a second larger vessel, approximately 312 metres in length, 1.6 nautical miles northwest of Sevda, also showing signs of damage or a stern leak. Two further vessels, likely VLCCs, were observed standing off in the same area, one showing a small smoke plume and an oil leak. No rescue craft were visible assisting any of the vessels.

Sevda was built in 1999 and sanctioned by OFAC in 2012. The vessel has operated predominantly with AIS switched off, with available tracking data showing repeated voyages to Zhoushan, China.

No crew casualty information has been publicly confirmed. Damage assessment is ongoing.