Brazil probing multiple tankers over oil spill: Update

Adds comments from Minerva Marine.

Greece-based Delta Tankers said Brazil is investigating four tankers other than its Suezmax Bouboulina for causing a catastrophic oil spill off Brazil's northeastern coast.

Citing a notice from Brazil's maritime authority to the Greek maritime affairs ministry, Delta said the tankers under investigation are Maran Apollo, Maran Libra, Bouboulina, Minerva Alexandra and Cap Pembroke.

All five are Greek-flagged. Euronav owns the Suezmax Cap Pembroke, Minerva Marine owns the Aframax Minerva Alexandra, and Maran Tankers owns the two Maran VLCCs.

Minerva confirmed that it was asked to provide documentation to Greek authorities on its tanker regarding the oil spill. Euronav and Maran Tankers did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Brazilian authorities have previously identified the source of the heavy crude as Venezuela. Caracas has denied any responsibility.

Brazil's navy declined comment on the fresh details released by Delta.

Delta has said that it has found no evidence that its tanker stopped, conducted transshipment, lost or spilled cargo, or veered off course on its way from Venezuela to Malaysia. Minerva told Argus that its tanker was in no way connected to the oil spill and will cooperate with the investigation.

Brazilian police last week identified the culprit as the Bouboulina, and raided the local offices of two international shipping companies.