Taiwan’s Evergreen says container ship hit by unidentified object in Strait of Hormuz, crew and cargo unharmed

TAIPEI, June 26 — Taiwanese shipping operator Evergreen Marine Corp said today one of its container ships was hit by an “unidentified object” in the Strait of Hormuz, but the crew, vessel and cargo were “unharmed”.

The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), a marine monitoring agency, previously said a vessel had been hit by a projectile in the strait yesterday, with US media outlets reporting that Iran had fired at a container ship.

The Iranian agency that claims to regulate traffic there issued a warning after the incident, while the UN suspended efforts to evacuate trapped mariners.

The incident came as the United States and Iran try to forge a final agreement after signing a memorandum of understanding to end their conflict that started in late February.

Evergreen Marine said the ship was off Oman when it was struck by “an unidentified object” while following the UKMTO’s recommended route.

“The crew’s preliminary inspection revealed damage to the eaves of the bridge superstructure and to the bridge windows,” Evergreen Marine said in a statement to Taiwan’s stock exchange.

“No injuries were sustained by personnel, and the vessel and cargo remained unharmed,” the company said, adding that the ship operated by its Singapore subsidiary had left the strait.

“The main engine and all navigation equipment continued to operate normally, and there were no issues affecting the vessel’s seaworthiness,” it said.

Iran imposed a blockade of the strait during the war, sparking a global economic shock, and has since said it plans to introduce what it terms maritime service fees.

The United States has warned against Iran charging fees for passage through the vital waterway. — AFP