Attack on MSC Ship near Umm Qasr Port

By John Lee.

A cargo vessel operated by Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) was struck by two projectiles near Umm Qasr on 1st June, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) Centre and MSC.

The vessel, the MSC Sariska V, was departing port when the first projectile hit while the pilot was still onboard; a second struck the crew area shortly afterwards. A fire broke out but was subsequently extinguished. No crew injuries were reported.

According to MSC, local media reports indicate that Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) has claimed responsibility, citing the incident as retaliation for US actions on a vessel called the Lion Star.

MSC rejected the characterisation of any link to the United States or Israel, stating that it is a neutral commercial carrier. The company was founded by Italian national Captain Gianluigi Aponte and is headquartered in Switzerland, wholly owned by his children, Diego and Alexa Aponte, both Italian nationals.

Vessels in the area have been advised to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity to UKMTO.

(Sources: UKMTO, Mediterranean Shipping Company)

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