UK maritime analytics firm Windward published satellite-image analysis on the
23rd showing two tankers near the Strait of Hormuz suspected of leaking oil; the
slick is drifting toward Iran’s Larak and Qeshm island coasts. The eastern
vessel is the Kavomarias, which was attacked and set alight on the 20th near the
strait; Windward says the ship was in ballast at the time, so the discharge is
likely ship fuel rather than crude or cargo. The western vessel is a dark ship
with its AIS switched off; its identity is unknown and satellite imagery
indicates it has been stationary in the same area since May with suspected
leakage around the hull.
