FBI Investigates Hacking of Oil Tankers Bound for Texas, Suspects Iran

WHO:

TechRadar - The FBI is involved in the investigation of the hacking incident.

TechCrunch - The Coast Guard is also involved in the investigation of the hacked oil tankers.

WHAT:

TechRadar - Two Texas-bound oil tankers were hit by hackers who disabled communications and put the engines into overdrive.

TechCrunch - The investigation is focused on the compromise of the tankers' networks, which interfered with one of the tanker's navigation and propulsion systems.

TechRadar - The FBI had to board at least one of the vessels to investigate the incident.

WHERE:

TechRadar - The oil tankers were bound for Texas.

WHY:

TechRadar - Iran is possibly to blame for the hacking incident.

HOW:

TechRadar - Hackers disabled communications and manipulated the engines of the oil tankers.

(UPDATED September 18, 2026 18:03 UTC)

An investigation is underway involving the FBI and the Coast Guard after hackers targeted two oil tankers bound for Texas, disabling their communications and putting their engines into overdrive. The focus is on how the hackers compromised the tankers' networks, which affected navigation and propulsion systems, prompting the FBI to board at least one vessel for further inquiry. Authorities are looking into the possibility that Iran may be behind this hacking incident.