The United Nations’ International Maritime Organization (IMO) has temporarily paused its planned evacuation of more than 11,000 sailors stranded in the Strait of Hormuz after a cargo ship was attacked while passing through the vital waterway.
What exactly happened?
IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez said the evacuation had already begun and several vessels had been cleared safely. However, the operation has now been suspended until authorities receive “necessary safety guarantees” for ships and crew.
The decision came after a Singapore-flagged cargo ship, Ever Lovely, was hit by what the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) described as an “unknown projectile”. The incident took place about 7.5 nautical miles southeast of Oman’s Port of Dahit on Thursday. Fortunately, no injuries or casualties were reported, according to a BBC report.
According to maritime risk management firm Vanguard, the Ever Lovely continued its journey through the Strait despite the attack and did not require any assistance. Ship-tracking website MarineTraffic also confirmed that the vessel successfully exited the Strait later that day.
US officials, quoted by American media, claimed that Iran fired at the ship. However, Iran has not officially accepted responsibility. The Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA) said ships travelling outside designated routes would not be guaranteed safe passage and warned that vessel owners would be responsible for any consequences.
Dominguez clarified that the attacked vessel was not part of the IMO’s evacuation programme. He stressed that the safety of seafarers remains the organisation’s top priority and said the evacuation would resume only after the situation becomes clearer, according to BBC.
Why are thousands of sailors stranded in the Strait of Hormuz?
Thousands of sailors and hundreds of commercial ships have remained stranded in the Gulf since February after fighting between the US, Israel and Iran disrupted shipping. Although the Strait recently reopened and the UN launched a large-scale evacuation effort with support from Iran, Oman, the US and other regional partners, the latest attack has created fresh uncertainty.
What is the dispute over shipping through the Strait?
Last week, the US and Iran agreed to reduce hostilities under a 14-point agreement that included safe passage for commercial vessels. However, Iran has continued to insist on charging maritime service fees for ships crossing the Strait, a move strongly opposed by the US.
