UN halts evacuation of over 11,000 seafarers from Strait of Hormuz after cargo ship struck

The UN's International Maritime Organization (IMO) has halted the evacuation of over 11,000 seafarers from the Strait of Hormuz following an attack on a cargo vessel in the waterway. IMO chief Arsenio Dominguez stated that the organization needs to obtain the necessary security guarantees before resuming operations. The vessel Ever Lovely, sailing under the Singapore flag, was struck but continued its voyage.

The UN's International Maritime Organization (IMO) halted on Thursday a planned evacuation operation in the Strait of Hormuz, where over 11,000 seafarers and hundreds of vessels are trapped due to the conflict between the US, Israel and Iran. The operation's suspension was triggered by an attack on a cargo ship in the waterway.

Vessel struck, no casualties reported

The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) announced on Thursday that an unknown missile struck a vessel located 7.5 nautical miles southeast of Oman's Duqm port. No casualties were reported. According to risk management firm Vanguard, the attacked vessel was Ever Lovely, sailing under the Singapore flag. Despite the strike, the vessel continued on its course.

Citing US officials, American media outlets reported that Iran orchestrated the attack.

IMO demands security guarantees

Arsenio Dominguez, IMO chief, confirmed that some vessels were successfully evacuated, but the organization wants to ensure that necessary security guarantees are in place before resuming operations. According to BBC's Russian service, IMO operations are suspended pending further instructions.

Earlier, a specialized maritime body managing the Hormuz region, established by Tehran, had warned that vessels may only navigate designated corridors and their safety cannot be guaranteed if they deviate from prescribed routes. Iran's Persian Gulf Security Authority (PGSA) stated on social media platform X that responsibility for all consequences from using unauthorized routes rests with the vessel owner, operator and captain.

Hundreds of vessels remain trapped

Since the start of the US and Israeli conflict with Iran, hundreds of vessels and thousands of seafarers have been stranded in the Strait of Hormuz, their situation remaining critical. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most vital shipping lanes, through which a significant portion of global oil trade passes. The destabilization of the region affects global fuel and cargo supply chains.