U.S. Navy Seizes Iranian Shadow Fleet VLCC Skywave in Indian Ocean

U.S. forces boarded and seized the shadow fleet VLCC Skywave (302,481 DWT, built 2005) in the Indian Ocean overnight on May 19, approximately halfway between Malaysia and Sri Lanka, according to reports. The Pentagon has not issued a formal confirmation.

The vessel has been operating under a false flag and is linked to the Iranian oil trade. The seizure marks the third confirmed boarding of an Iranian-linked shadow fleet tanker in the Indian Ocean since the blockade began, following the earlier seizures of Majestic X and Tifani in April. CENTCOM confirmed the same day that 89 vessels have now been redirected in total.

No crew casualty information has been reported. Investigation is ongoing.