Singapore-flagged cargo ship hit by ‘unknown projectile’ while crossing Hormuz

The UN International Maritime Organization paused its programme to shepherd ships and seafarers through the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday after a cargo ship reported a suspected attack, reigniting fears over a preliminary deal to end the Iran war.

“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,” British navy agency UKMTO said.

⁠Iran was behind the attack on the ship, two US officials ‌said, speaking ⁠on ⁠condition of anonymity.

There was no immediate comment from Iran on the incident. Four sources identified the ship as the Singapore-flagged Ever Lovely. A security source said it was likely to have been targeted by a drone.

The ‌vessel reported being struck ‌on ‌its starboard ‌side by a projectile ⁠7.5 nautical miles southeast ⁠of Oman’s port of Dahit, UKMTO said.

The IMO was helping to get hundreds of stranded ships and thousands of seafarers out of the strait where they had been stranded for months since the start of the war in late February.