Brazil probing multiple tankers over spill: Update 2

Adds comments from Minerva Marine and Euronav.

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 and Euronav confirmed that they were asked to provide documentation to Greek authorities on their tankers regarding the oil spill. Euronav called the probe a "preliminary inquiry that seems to have been sent to many shipowners who had vessels navigating in the region during the period in question." 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 and Euronav told Argus that their tankers were 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.