Taiwanese Cargo Ship Struck by Unknown Object Off Oman, Crew Safe
A ship belonging to Evergreen Marine, a Taiwanese shipping company, was struck by an unknown object off the coast of Oman, the company confirmed on Friday. The vessel, named Ever Lovely, was passing near the Strait of Hormuz when the incident occurred.
In a statement to the Taiwan stock exchange, the company reported that the starboard side of the bridge was hit by an unknown object approximately 3.6 nautical miles off Oman's Khawr Naiwah, a coastal area near the strategic waterway. The crew conducted an initial inspection and found damage around the bridge windows.
Despite the damage, the crew, vessel, and cargo are all safe. The main engine and navigation instruments are operating normally, and there are no issues with the ship's seaworthiness, the company stated. The Ever Lovely has safely departed the Strait of Hormuz and is continuing its journey.
The ship was following the recommended route of the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), a British naval agency that advises vessels in the region. UKMTO had earlier reported on Thursday that a cargo ship had reported a suspected attack as it attempted to pass through the Strait of Hormuz near the Omani coast.
No further details about the nature of the unknown object have been disclosed. The incident remains under investigation by the company and relevant authorities.
