GPS Jamming Identified as Key Factor in MSC Antonia Grounding
A recent analysis has confirmed that GPS jamming was the primary cause of the MSC Antonia grounding near the Eliza Shoals, close to Jeddah, on May 10, 2025. The investigation, led by Captain Steve Baumgardner, Vice President of Maritime and Offshore at Pole Star Global, found that the vessel’s AIS system was compromised by malicious GPS spoofing, which tricked the crew into receiving inaccurate location data.
Baumgardner noted that the vessel’s GPS signals were likely manipulated by attackers sending false positioning data, creating a misleading navigational picture for the crew. His findings support an earlier report from maritime AI specialist Windward, which also pointed to GPS interference as the probable cause of the incident.
The grounding occurred amid a worrying surge in GPS disruptions in the region. Just a day earlier, on May 9, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported numerous incidents of GPS jamming in the Red Sea, with some ships experiencing hours-long signal disturbances.
According to Windward’s Q1 2025 report, the average position “jump” for affected vessels has now reached 6,300 km, a dramatic increase from 600 km in Q4 2024. The Red Sea, particularly near Sudan, has emerged as a major hotspot, with over 180 vessels impacted in just the first quarter of this year.
Baumgardner stressed the serious threat that any form of radio-electronic interference poses to global shipping. “Even a ‘simple’ jamming attack, like the one that affected MSC Antonia, can endanger the lives of the seafarers who keep our economy moving,” he said. “This incident should serve as a wake-up call, reminding us of the critical need for vigilant watchkeeping and greater awareness of the risks associated with electronic warfare.”
As of May 15, the 304-meter Liberia-flagged container vessel remains grounded.
