IMO pauses vessel evacuation after latest vessel attack
Following an attack on a cargo vessel in the Gulf of Oman, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has temporarily paused its evacuation operation while it reassesses the security situation.
IMAGE: The International Maritime Organization's headquarters in London. IMO
A cargo vessel was struck on its starboard side by an unknown projectile southeast of Dahit, Oman, damaging the ship's bridge, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency.
The vessel's master reported no casualties or environmental pollution, UKMTO added.
In response to the incident, IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez announced a temporary suspension of the organisation's evacuation plan.
“I have decided to temporarily pause its implementation in order to reconfirm that the necessary safety guarantees continue to be in place for the ships on our evacuation list and all those in the region,” Dominguez stated.
He further clarified that the attacked vessel was not operating under the IMO-led evacuation framework.
“I have always reiterated that the safety of the seafarers remains paramount. Therefore, to ensure a coordinated approach and navigational safety, the evacuation plan will be paused until further clarity is obtained,” Dominguez added.
By Tuhin Roy
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