A tanker suspected of having links to Iran, which was sailing towards Singapore, has been taken into US custody near Sri Lanka’s territorial waters.
According to foreign media reports, the vessel was intercepted by the US Navy while travelling approximately 700 kilometres southeast of Sri Lanka.
MarineTraffic data indicate that the ship is a crude oil tanker with a capacity of 300,000 tonnes, and that it has been sanctioned by the United States Office of Foreign Assets Control.
Further reports state that the vessel is also believed to be connected to an Indian shipping company.
Foreign media additionally reported that the tanker departed the Gulf region on 10 April and had briefly halted near the Port of Galle in Sri Lanka on 18 April.
