Security · Operations·21 Aug 2026·Strait of Gibraltar · Atlantic
VL PROSPERITY — cyber claim at Gibraltar remains single source
Mehr News Agency reported on 20 August that the Liberian-flagged VLCC VL PROSPERITY (IMO 9683697) was subjected to a cyberattack in the Strait of Gibraltar on 7 August. The report states that all communications were disrupted for 30 hours and that engine-room systems were infiltrated.
The claim is single source. No company, manager, flag, UKMTO or JMIC product in the file confirms the incident.
VesselFinder shows the ship currently under way toward Galveston with an ETA of 24 August. Last port is listed as Sidi Kerir. Public AIS position is not printed on the free page.
The desk does not treat a single Iranian agency report, repeated on social media, as an established cyber casualty. No group has claimed responsibility in the pack. The operational picture on the water remains the AIS track and the absence of any official maritime product.
Established
- VL PROSPERITY (IMO 9683697), Liberian flag, last port Sidi Kerir, showing destination Galveston on VesselFinder (21 Aug).
- Mehr News Agency published the cyberattack claim on 20 August.
Not established
- That a cyberattack occurred.
- That communications were lost for 30 hours.
- That engine-room systems were infiltrated or disabled.
- Any independent or official confirmation.
Contact: desk@seavanta.com — tips, corrections, I was there.