"Advantage Sweet" Seizure: Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps Capture Tanker in Strait of Hormuz

US Navy reported that Iran seized the Marshall Islands-flagged tanker "Advantage Sweet"

On April 27, 2024, the US Navy reported that Iran seized the Marshall Islands-flagged tanker "Advantage Sweet" in the Gulf of Oman, 40 nautical miles southwest of Badar Jask. The vessel was last detected on the Automatic Identification System (AIS) at approximately 0915 UTC.

According to Marine Traffic, the vessel is underway at 13 knots, heading 140°.

Moments before the seizure, "Advantage Sweet" issued a distress call. Iran has a history of seizing vessels as they transit through the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman, often in relation to geopolitical tensions. Iran's territorial waters allow them to seize ships without international interference, creating a precarious situation for vessels in the region.

The "Advantage Sweet" is owned by Chinese SPDB Financial Leasing and leased to Turkey-based Geden Line. The tanker was en route to Houston, Texas. This incident highlights the ongoing maritime security challenges in the region and raises concerns over potential disruptions to international shipping routes and global energy supplies. The seizure of "Advantage Sweet" is likely to escalate tensions between Iran and the international community.