Maritime Security Report: 9-16 February 2026
This week, only two incidents were recorded as a vessel was seized in the Indian Ocean, and a minor collision occurred in East Asia.
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Executive Summary
Indian Ocean: Amidst rising geopolitical tensions, US forces sent a strong signal of dedicated enforcement of the maritime blockade of Venezuela by seizing the Aquila II, after a 5 week chase into the Indian Ocean.
East Asia: A collision occurred between a fishing vessel and a chemical tanker east of the Akashi Strait. Both vessels sustained damage, and one crew member was injured. However, the vessels were in acceptable condition to continue their voyages.
Key Incidents by Region
Indian Ocean
9 February 2026
The Panama-flagged tanker Aquila II, has been seized by US forces in the Indian Ocean. She was loaded with 700,000 barrels of Venezuelan crude oil, heading to refineries in China. She is part of a group of vessels that set sail from Venezuela after the detention of the country's president Maduro on January 3, 2026. The vessel last transpondedAIS signal was on November 2nd 2025 in Northern Europe.
For more details on this significant security event, read this in-depth article.
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East Asia
11 February 2026
The Japanese-flagged chemical tanker Maruoka Maru collided with a fishing vessel nearby Boke Coast, east of the Akashi Strait. Both vessels sustained bow damage, and one injured crew member was reported. Luckily no fuel leakage was observed. Maruoka Maru continued its voyage to Kure.
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Threat Outlook
Region | Threat Level | Assessment |
Indian Ocean | Elevated | Iranian drones have approached tankers, and seizures occurred. Caution is advised. |
East Asia | Low | Only risk in Singapore Straits for petty theft of engine parts remain as a constant threat. |
Operational Guidance
Operators should:
Follow BMP5 transit protocols
Enhance watchkeeping and onboard vigilance
Avoid Iranian international waters
Report all incidents to:
UKMTO
MDAT-GoG
ReCAAP
IMB / IMO
Stopping Boardings Before They Start
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