UK-based maritime analytics company Windward posted on social media on the 23rd that satellite image analysis indicates two tankers near the Strait of Hormuz are suspected of having an oil spill, with the resulting oil slick drifting toward the coasts of Iran’s Larak Island and Qeshm Island.
Windward noted that the tanker involved on the eastern side is the "Cavo Maris," which caught fire after being attacked near the Strait of Hormuz on the 20th. The analysis suggests that since the ship was in ballast condition at the time, the leaking substance is likely bunker fuel rather than crude oil or other cargo.
According to the UK Financial Times, the "Cavo Maris" is operated by Greek tanker company Dynacom. After the attack, the ship’s engine room caught fire and the crew abandoned the vessel. The company stated that the tanker has been abandoned by the crew, the ship’s operational systems have failed, and currently there is no way to obtain first-hand information from the scene.
The other vessel involved, which is on the western side, is a "dark ship" whose identity remains unconfirmed due to its Automatic Identification System (AIS) being turned off.
Analysis of satellite imagery by Windward indicates that this ship has remained in the same sea area since May this year, and suspected traces of oil leakage have been observed around the vessel.