Dark Fleet Tanker collides with "Hafnia Nile" Following AIS Spoofing & Jamming

Summary:

A sanctions-busting "dark fleet" VLCC with documented AIS spoofing history collided with a legitimate Singapore-flagged tanker in the South China Sea on July 19, 2024. The Ceres I was broadcasting false "at anchor" status while moving and disabled its AIS immediately before the collision. The incident caused fires on both vessels, one fatality, multiple injuries, and a 17km² oil spill. After the collision, Ceres I fled with AIS disabled before being intercepted by Malaysian Coast Guard. This represents the most significant real-world safety incident directly attributable to dark fleet AIS manipulation practices.

Reference URL

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/interactive/2024/china-dark-ships-south-china-sea/
https://www.seatrade-maritime.com/accidents/malaysia-detains-tanker-fleeing-after-collision
https://maritime-executive.com/article/singapore-charges-two-from-hafnia-nile-with-causing-fatal-tanker-collision
https://gutzy.asia/2024/07/23/malaysias-coast-guard-intercepts-fleeing-tanker-after-collision-off-singapore/