Container ship catches fire off Oman, crew embarks on lifeboat
Portsmouth, July 12
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations on Saturday said a container ship in the east of Oman sustained damage which caused a fire onboard.
UKMTO stated that the crew had abandoned the ship and embarked on a lifeboat.
Earlier in the day, the US launched a third round of strikes against Iran after alleging that Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) attacked the Cyprus-flagged container vessel M/V GFS Galaxy in the Strait of Hormuz.
According to an official post on X by US Central Command (CENTCOM), a civilian crew member is missing, and the vessel is unable to continue its journey due to an onboard fire and significant engine room damage.
"At 7:15 p.m. ET today, US Central Command forces began launching the third round of strikes this week against Iran after Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps forces blatantly attacked M/V GFS Galaxy, a Cyprus-flagged container ship transiting the Strait of Hormuz," CENTCOM stated.
CENTCOM added that Iran had been provided an opportunity to demonstrate adherence to the Memorandum of Understanding after being held accountable for earlier attacks on commercial vessels, but had "again failed."
"In response, the United States is imposing a heavy cost by continuing to degrade Iran's ability to attack civilian mariners and commercial ships freely transiting the strait. The strikes are being carried out at the direction of the Commander in Chief," said the 'X' post.
Replying to CENTCOM's 'X' post, US War Secretary Pete Hegseth wrote, "Iran made a poor choice. Now they pay."
These strikes came just hours after the IRGC announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz "until further notice," declaring that the strategic waterway would remain shut until the United States ends its "interference" in the West Asia region, Press TV reported.
According to an IRGC statement, the decision was taken "in light of the security situation resulting from the unlawful intervention of foreign powers," adding that no vessel would be permitted to transit the strait.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Why is the US escalating strikes instead of talking? The war talk always hurts ordinary people. I feel for the missing crew member and hope he's found safe. The situation in West Asia is like a powder keg, and we Indians always end up feeling the heat. 🙏
IRGC threatening to close the strait indefinitely? That's just brinkmanship. But US strikes aren't helping either—they're provoking more attacks. India must step up diplomatic efforts to de-escalate, not just hope for the best. Our maritime interests are too big to ignore.
This is exactly why we need alternate trade routes like Chabahar port and International North-South Transport Corridor. Relying solely on Strait of Hormuz for oil is a strategic blunder. Maybe this crisis will finally push India to diversify energy sources. 🌍
The US Secretary of War's comment "Iran made a poor choice. Now they pay." sounds so cavalier. Meanwhile, a civilian is missing, a ship is burning, and the world gets closer to war. This is not a video game. Diplomacy must be given a chance.
Fire on a container ship is scary enough, but adding military strikes and strait closure to the mix is madness. The crew showed courage abandoning ship. I hope international maritime patrols keep the route safe for trade—India can't afford supply disruptions.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.