finance
U.S. Navy F/A-18 Strikes Funnel of Iranian Tanker SEA STAR III in Gulf of Oman
A U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet launched from the USS George H.W. Bush struck the funnel of the National Iranian Tanker Company VLCC supertanker SEA STAR III on May 8, 2026. The incident occurred at coordinates 25.63345, 57.92449. @TankerTrackers reported the details of the vessel and strike.
May 11, 4:36 PM·1m read1 source
TA
theaviationist.comAudio version
Tap play to generate a narrated version.
Developing·Limited corroboration so far. This page will refresh as more sources emerge.
U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet fired at the funnel of the VLCC supertanker SEA STAR III on May 8, 2026. W. Bush, which carries the hull designation CVN 77.
92449 in waters off Iran. The vessel is the SEA STAR III, which has IMO number 9569205. It is operated by the National Iranian Tanker Company, also known as NITC.
@TankerTrackers reported that the National Iranian Tanker Company operates the SEA STAR III and detailed the strike on its funnel by the aircraft from the carrier. U.S. naval aviation and an Iranian-operated oil tanker in the region.
No information was provided on the extent of damage to the SEA STAR III or any injuries aboard. The precise motive for the strike was not detailed in available reporting. The National Iranian Tanker Company has long operated vessels such as the SEA STAR III to transport crude oil.
The company maintains the SEA STAR III in its fleet, according to tracking data. @TankerTrackers has monitored the movements of such tankers for years. This event comes amid heightened tensions in waters near the Strait of Hormuz, though specific context for the May 8 action remains limited to the reported coordinates and participants.
W. Bush has operated in the broader region as part of routine naval deployments. The F/A-18 Super Hornet conducted the strike while operating from the carrier deck.
