Tanks, Bakes!
Boatfag Update Report
Iranian tankers
PETUNIA has passed Caracas and is in her final southwesterly leg inbound to Puerto Cabello.
Still nothing on FAXON, which should be within coastal AIS reporting range if previous estimates were correct. However, there is something unusual going on south of Barbados that indicates to me FAXON is indeed in that area but is trying to sneak her way past AIS reporting. The cap included shows two arrows pointing to two tankers on the track taken by the first 3 Iranian tankers, but there is a difference. The southernmost tanker has steered a course that is a little farther away from Barbados and aiming more to the center of the strait heading into the Caribbean Sea area, and that could put her out of coastal AIS detection range. Also, it appears the southernmost tanker has slowed down as the separation between these two tankers has closed by about half. It seems like that southern tanker is trying to "feel" its way along to avoid detection. However, the northern tanker in this duo has also managed to stay out of detection range, too. We're keeping a close eye on them.
Will also conduct a sweep of other areas to make sure we're not missing anyone trying to slip in through the back door.
Finally, ADAM JOSEPH is has not continued north and appears to just be working another oil rig system known as HIBISCUS. No cap, but we're watching. The unidentified Military contact has stopped right at about 25 nm away from AJ and is just loitering. Possibly just waiting to pick up a tanker to escort, rather than give the US-flagged ships a hard time.
Hoping to get in a full global sweep and report in before going off watch tonite.