On June 25, the Singapore-registered container ship Ever Lovely was struck by an unidentified projectile while departing the Strait of Hormuz. This incident marks the first attack on a vessel since the U.S. and Iran established a 60-day ceasefire aimed at negotiating a long-term peace agreement. Under a recent Memorandum of Understanding, Iran had committed to ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) expressed deep concern over the unprovoked attack, labeling it a violation of international law. The MPA emphasized that all actions impacting international shipping must adhere to international regulations, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, to safeguard the safety of seafarers and vessels.
Despite the incident, the Ever Lovely continued its voyage with all 21 crew members reported safe. The MPA assured that it would maintain close communication with the ship’s management and offer necessary support. The attack also led to the suspension of an evacuation scheme launched by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) for vessels stranded in the Gulf since February 28.
Following the attack, Iran’s Persian Gulf Strait Authority warned that any passage outside designated routes would not be protected by safe passage guarantees, placing liability on the vessel’s owner, operator, and captain for any consequences.
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