Nicosia, Cyprus. An Indian crew member remains missing after a missile struck the Cyprus-flagged container ship GFS GALAXY in the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday, Deputy Shipping Minister Marina Hadjimanoli said.
The vessel’s third engineer is missing as Omani authorities continue search and rescue operations.
Attack and evacuation
The attack occurred at about 1:40am Cyprus time on Sunday while the vessel was navigating the Strait of Hormuz.
The missile caused extensive damage, particularly to the engine room, forcing the crew to abandon the ship.
Crew rescue operation
The ship had a multinational crew of 24 sailors from India, Ukraine, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and the Philippines. No Cypriot nationals were on board.
The vessel’s management company confirmed that the missing sailor was the third engineer. The other 23 crew members escaped in the ship’s lifeboat and were later rescued by the Omani Navy and taken safely ashore.
Vessel to be assessed
The damaged GFS GALAXY is being towed to the port of Khor Fakkan in the United Arab Emirates for further assessment.
Hadjimanoli said the Deputy Ministry of Shipping has remained in constant contact with the vessel’s management company and is monitoring developments while taking necessary action.
