IMO suspends Strait of Hormuz vessel evacuation after attack on cargo ship

A Singapore-flagged container ship was attacked in the Strait of Hormuz on June 25, 2026, in a strike attributed to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). US officials directly attributed the attack to the IRGC. The vessel sustained damage but no casualties were reported.

Following the attack, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) suspended its voluntary vessel movement process through the Strait of Hormuz with immediate effect. The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) centre issued advisory 075-26 notifying the shipping industry that the IMO-supported vessel movement process has been paused until further notice.

IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez stated: "The safety of seafarers remains paramount. The evacuation plan will be paused until further clarity is obtained."

Vessel operators, masters and shipping companies are advised to monitor official IMO communications, relevant coastal state guidance and applicable Notices to Mariners for voyage planning and risk assessments. Operators are encouraged to continue reporting to UKMTO under Voluntary Reporting Area procedures, maintain awareness of maritime security advisories, and conduct risk assessments using guidance from the Joint Maritime Information Centre and other industry sources.