Arabic version: الأمم المتحدة توقف إجلاء البحارة بعد الهجوم في مضيق هرمز

The United Nations’ International Maritime Organization (IMO) has suspended its plans to evacuate more than 11,000 sailors stranded in the Strait of Hormuz after a cargo ship transiting the waterway was struck by a projectile. IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez stated that while some crews had been evacuated, the operation would be paused until there are “necessary safety guarantees” for those involved. According to Al Jazeera, the decision comes after a Singapore-flagged cargo vessel, the Ever Lovely, was struck by an unknown projectile while transiting the strait.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that the vessel was hit approximately 7.5 nautical miles (14km) southeast of Dahit, Oman, but no casualties were reported. This incident occurs despite a recent memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran aimed at reducing hostilities and reopening shipping routes in the strategic waterway. Iran had restricted passage through the strait in early March after military actions involving the US and Israel.

Although commercial traffic has resumed since the agreement, significant disagreements persist regarding shipping routes and tolls. Oman and the IMO proposed a new shipping corridor that would partially bypass areas under Iranian control, but Iran has rejected this plan, citing safety concerns and a lack of consultation. The Iranian government has not claimed responsibility for the recent attack but has not denied involvement either.

The IMO’s Dominguez emphasized the importance of safety for seafarers, stating that the evacuation plan will remain on hold until further clarity is achieved regarding the situation in the strait. The attack on the Ever Lovely highlights ongoing tensions and unresolved issues surrounding navigation in the area, prompting fears for the safety of remaining sailors trapped in the strait.