Crew rescued after container ship attacked in Strait of Hormuz

A container ship managed by a UAE company was hit by a projectile while passing through the Strait of Hormuz, causing a fire in the engine room, before the Omani navy intervened to rescue its crew, including 21 Egyptians.

Specialised maritime websites, including Marine Insight, Lloyd’s List and PortNews, reported that the Malta-flagged container vessel SAFEEN PRESTIGE was struck by a projectile while sailing in the Strait of Hormuz near the Omani coast on Wednesday evening.

According to the reports, the projectile hit the rear section of the vessel above the waterline, sparking a fire inside the engine room and damaging the ship. The crew then issued a distress call and abandoned the vessel as a precaution.

There were 24 sailors on board, including 21 Egyptians and three Ukrainians. The Omani navy quickly intervened and rescued all crew members without any injuries, transferring them to a safe location in Oman.

The ship had been travelling from the United Arab Emirates to the Saudi port of Jeddah when the attack occurred. The fire broke out in the engine area after the projectile struck the vessel’s hull.

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