Attack On Containership In Hormuz Strait As IMO Pauses Evacuation

A containership was struck by a projectile in the Strait of Hormuz, shortly after the International Maritime Organisation confirmed preparations were complete for a large-scale evacuation of vessels and seafarers from the Gulf.

The vessel, understood to be Evergreen’s Ever Lovely, was hit around 7 nautical miles southeast of Dahit, Oman. Its bridge was reportedly damaged, but no casualties were reported and the ship continued its transit through the strait.

According to the US, the attack followed a warning from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps that attempts to use unauthroised routes would be “unacceptable and completely dangerous”. The IRGC said vessels should coordinate passage with Iran, adding that the only permitted routes through the strait were those announced by the Islamic Republic.

Ever Lovely was transiting with fellow Evergreen vessels Ever Lotus and Ever Unicorn, as well as a Wan Hai Lines vessel when the projectile hit. The ships were understood to have been stranded in the Gulf since late February and were sailing at least 10 miles apart.

IMO secretary-general Arsenio Dominguez said the attacked vessel “did not transit under IMO’s evacuation framework”, but confirmed the wider operation had been paused.

“I have always reiterated that the safety of the seafarers remains paramount,” he said. “Therefore, to ensure a coordinated approach and navigational safety, the evacuation plan will be paused until further clarity is obtained.”

The IMO plan to evacuate numerous vessels and around 11,000 seafarers remains suspended.