A CMA CGM container ship, the San Antonio, was attacked while navigating the Strait of Hormuz, resulting in injuries to crew members and damage to the vessel amidst ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran that are disrupting maritime traffic. The incident occurred on Tuesday, leading to the evacuation of the wounded crew for medical care. CMA CGM, the world’s third-largest container shipping line, provided limited comments on the event, marking it as the 32nd attack on maritime vessels since the onset of the conflict.
The U.S. has initiated operations to escort ships through the Strait, facilitating the safe exit of two U.S.-flagged vessels from the Gulf. However, President Donald Trump announced that the escort efforts would be temporarily paused while negotiations with Iran are underway, with reports suggesting that an initial agreement to de-escalate tensions might be forthcoming. In stark contrast, Tehran has released a map asserting control over parts of the waterway, which reflects their ongoing regional influence.
Eight crew members from the San Antonio were reportedly injured in the attack, with the state’s media indicating that the ship was struck by an Iranian projectile. CMA CGM confirmed that another vessel, the Saigon, had successfully exited the Gulf, highlighting the risks associated with maritime navigation without coordinating with Iran. The Saigon is the second CMA CGM vessel to leave the area since the escalation began, destined for Colombo, Sri Lanka.
