United Nations' International Maritime Organization (IMO) has stopped its plan to evacuate over 11,000 sailors stuck in Strait of Hormuz after a cargo ship attack. This decision followed reports of the Singapore-flagged vessel, Ever Lovely,hit by "unknown projectile" about 7.5 nautical miles southeast of Oman’s Dahit port .
IMO chief Arsenio Dominguez said some boats were already evacuated, but safety guarantees are now top priority . He stressed coordinated action needed for safety,stating,“I have always reiterated that the safety of the seafarers remains paramount.”
The Ever Lovely kept moving through Strait despite attack,according to maritime risk firm Vanguard. MarineTraffic noted vessel entered Strait without help.
This happens amid rising tensions in region,fueled by ongoing US-Israel conflict with Iran. Hundreds of ships,thousands of sailors have been stuck in Gulf since February due to escalating hostilities. UN's evacuation plan was only announced this week after strait reopened.
Dominguez said attacked vessel not part of IMO's framework,leading to pause in evacuation until more information comes. IMO had coordinated with Iran,Oman,US,and others in region before.
Last week, US and Iran reached a tentative ceasefire, including 14-point deal for safe passage of commercial vessels through Strait for 60 days without charge. But Iran plans to impose fees,drawing sharp US criticism.
In Bahrain, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said no country can impose tolls on Strait of Hormuz, calling it an international waterway. His comments part of ongoing talks over Tehran agreement.
Strait of Hormuz,key for oil and gas shipments,has seen major disruptions since attacks on Iran in late February. This closed strait, spiked global oil prices, hit shipments like fertilizer. But oil prices now showing signs of stabilizing,with crude dipping below $72.48 a barrel Thursday before settling at $73.23.
Situation remains fluid, with IMO's pause reflecting maritime safety complexities amid geopolitical tensions. As region grapples with these challenges…stranded sailors' fate remains uncertain.
