Nicosia, Cyprus. An Indian seafarer remains missing after the Cyprus-flagged container vessel GFS Galaxy was struck by an unidentified projectile in the Strait of Hormuz, Cyprus Deputy Minister of Shipping Marina Hadjimanoli said. The remaining 23 crew members were rescued and transferred safely to Oman.
Attack and rescue operation
The vessel was struck on July 11 at 01:40 Cyprus time while sailing through the Strait of Hormuz, sustaining extensive damage, mainly to its engine room, Hadjimanoli told CNA.
The crew consisted of 24 seafarers from India, Ukraine, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and the Philippines. No Cypriot nationals were among the crew.
The missing crew member is an Indian national serving as the ship’s third engineer, according to information provided by the vessel’s managing company.
After the strike, the other 23 seafarers abandoned the vessel in a lifeboat and were picked up by the Omani Navy, which transferred them safely to land.
Search and towing operations
Omani authorities continue search and rescue operations in the area to locate the missing seafarer.
The GFS Galaxy is being towed to the port of Khor Fakkan in the United Arab Emirates.
Hadjimanoli said the Deputy Ministry of Shipping remains in continuous contact with the vessel’s managing company, is taking necessary action and is closely monitoring developments.
Shipping conditions in the region
Transit through the Strait of Hormuz remains particularly difficult for vessels of all flags, particularly following recent military operations in the region, Hadjimanoli said.
She noted that Cyprus has one of the world’s largest merchant fleets, with many vessels operating internationally under the Cyprus flag regardless of the shipowning company’s base or the nationality of their crews.
The Deputy Ministry of Shipping issued a circular to the shipping industry on February 28, 2026, when hostilities began in the region, to provide information and encourage preventive safety measures.