UN Halts Strait of Hormuz Sailor Evacuation After Cargo Ship Comes Under Attack
The United Nations has paused its evacuation of thousands of stranded sailors following an attack on a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz. The operation had aimed to safely remove more than 11,000 seafarers trapped in the region. Officials said the suspension was necessary to ensure the safety of all involved.
The International Maritime Organization confirmed the decision after the Singapore flagged cargo ship Ever Lovely was struck by what was described as an unknown projectile. The vessel was travelling near Oman's port of Dahit when the incident occurred. No injuries were reported and the ship continued its journey without requesting assistance. Maritime authorities are now investigating the circumstances surrounding the attack.
IMO Secretary General Arsenio Dominguez said several evacuation missions had already been completed before the latest incident. However, he stressed that the safety of seafarers remains the highest priority and the wider operation would remain on hold until stronger security guarantees are provided. He also confirmed the attacked vessel was not travelling under the UN coordinated evacuation framework.
US officials have reportedly blamed Iran for the attack, while Iranian authorities insisted that ships using routes outside designated channels could not be guaranteed safe passage. The warning came despite a recent agreement between Washington and Tehran aimed at ending hostilities and ensuring the safe movement of commercial vessels through the strategic waterway. Tensions remain high despite the diplomatic breakthrough.
Hundreds of ships and thousands of sailors have remained stranded in the Gulf since fighting between the United States, Israel and Iran escalated earlier this year. The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz had raised hopes that maritime traffic would gradually return to normal. The latest attack has now cast fresh uncertainty over those efforts.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world's most important shipping lanes, carrying a significant share of global oil and gas exports. While oil prices have eased following recent diplomatic progress, the renewed security concerns could again threaten international energy supplies and global trade. Governments and maritime agencies continue monitoring the situation closely as they seek a safe path forward.
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