A Singapore-flagged commercial vessel was struck by Iran in the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday.
The U.K. Maritime Trade Operations announced the attack:
UKMTO has received a report of an incident 7.5NM southeast of Dahit, Oman. A cargo vessel has been hit on the starboard side by an unknown projectile, causing damage to the bridge.
Master has reported no casualties and no environmental impact.
Authorities are investigating. Vessels are advised to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity to UKMTO.
No one was injured in the strike, and the vessel continued on its way.
There is a discrepancy between the routes Washington and Tehran have directed ships to pass through, with the U.S. calling for a southernly route near the Omani coast while Iran has called for a northernly route near its coast.
“Any passage through routes outside the framework designated by PGSA will not be covered by safe passage guarantees and will not be entitled to insurance coverage or related liabilities,” The Persian Gulf Strait Authority, the agency set up by Iran to manage transit through the Straight of Hormuz, said in a statement. “The consequences arising from passage through unauthorized routes shall be the responsibility of the owner, operator, and vessel commander.”
The United Nations paused evacuation of ships from Hormuz following the incident:
“I have been informed of an attack today in the Gulf of Oman. Seafarer safety remains paramount. To ensure coordinated approach & navigational safety, the IMO evacuation plan will be paused until further clarity,” Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization Arsenio Dominguez said.
