The IMO (International Maritime Organization), the UN agency responsible for navigation, suspended the evacuation operation of thousands of sailors stranded after a cargo ship was the target of an attack near the coast of Oman. The information was released this Thursday (June 25, 2026).
The IMO initiative, announced on Tuesday (June 23), established the withdrawal of more than 11 thousand crew members who have remained in the region since February because of the conflict involving Iran and Israel. According to initial data from the organization, around 57 vessels, with approximately 1,100 sailors, had already crossed the strait under the withdrawal plan between June 23 and 25.
IMO Secretary General, Arsenio Dominguez, stated that the suspension was adopted to reassess security conditions in the area.
“I have decided to temporarily suspend its implementation to confirm that the necessary security guarantees remain in place”he declared.
According to the British maritime safety agency UKMTO, a vessel was hit this Thursday (June 25) by a “unknown projectile” approximately 7.5 nautical miles from the port of Dahit, Oman. There were no injuries reported.
Maritime security firm Vanguard identified the vessel as the Singapore-flagged Ever Lovely container ship. According to the company, the ship maintained its route through the strait and did not require assistance.
MarineTraffic data indicates that the vessel crossed the region via the southern route and left the strait in the afternoon.
The IMO reported that the attacked ship was not part of the evacuation scheme coordinated by the agency. The plan offered a voluntary option for ships and crews to leave the region via monitored routes in Iranian and Omani waters.
TENSION IN THE STRAIT OF ORMUZ
The is one of the main maritime routes in the world and concentrates a significant part of global oil and gas transport.
After the attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran, which began at the end of February, Tehran established a barrier to circulation in the region, causing the retention of hundreds of vessels and thousands of sailors in the Persian Gulf.
Last week, Washington and Tehran announced an agreement to end hostilities and guarantee the safe passage of commercial ships during a 60-day period.
Despite this, Iran has stated that it intends to charge tariffs classified as “marine service fees” for vessels using the strait. The proposal faces resistance from the United States.
