The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has temporarily paused its evacuation plan for ships and seafarers in the Persian Gulf after a merchant containership was attacked near the Gulf of Oman. The incident took place after the vessel had passed through the Strait of Hormuz, raising fresh concerns about the safety of ships operating in the region.

IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez said the evacuation operation was suspended to confirm that safety measures remain in place for vessels included in the program and for other ships sailing in the area. He said the temporary pause will allow authorities to review the latest security developments before continuing the operation.

According to maritime authorities, the attacked vessel was not part of the IMO’s organized evacuation framework. The ship reported being struck while sailing near the coast of Oman. Initial reports said the vessel sustained damage to its bridge, but no injuries to the crew or pollution were immediately reported.

The evacuation plan was launched on June 23 through cooperation between the IMO, Oman, regional coastal states, and the maritime industry. The operation was created to assist ships that had remained in the Persian Gulf due to security concerns and to help crews leave the area safely.

Before the operation was suspended, 57 ships carrying about 1,100 seafarers had already completed their transit under the evacuation framework. The program was designed to move vessels through agreed routes while working closely with maritime authorities and industry partners.