Strait of Hormuz: Singapore ship EVER LOVELY hit by projectile, bridge damaged
Synopsis
A Singapore-flagged container ship was struck by an unknown projectile in the Strait of Hormuz on 26 June, sustaining bridge damage — the latest incident in a pattern of attacks on commercial shipping in one of the world's most critical oil transit chokepoints. Singapore's MPA called it unprovoked and a breach of international law, even as Iran's IRGC warned vessels against using unauthorised routes through the strait.
Key Takeaways
Singapore-registered container ship EVER LOVELY was struck by an unknown projectile in the Strait of Hormuz on 26 June , sustaining minor bridge damage.
All 21 crew members are safe; no Singaporeans were on board.
The vessel was hit 7.5 nautical miles southeast of Dahit in Oman , according to the UKMTO .
Singapore's MPA condemned the attack as ‘unprovoked, unjustifiable, and a breach of international law.’ Iran's IRGC Navy warned on the same day that vessel movement outside Iran-designated routes in the strait is ‘dangerous and prohibited.’ Authorities are investigating the incident; vessels in the area have been advised to exercise caution.
Singapore-registered container ship EVER LOVELY sustained minor damage to its bridge area after being struck by an unknown projectile while transiting the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday, 26 June, Singapore's Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) confirmed on Friday. All 21 crew members on board are safe, and there are no Singaporeans among the crew.
What Happened
The vessel was hit on its starboard side, approximately 7.5 nautical miles southeast of Dahit in Oman, according to a warning issued by the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) on Thursday. The UKMTO noted that the projectile caused damage to the bridge area but resulted in no casualties and no environmental damage. The vessel's master confirmed there were no injuries among the crew.
The EVER LOVELY has since completed its passage through the Strait of Hormuz and is continuing on its voyage, the MPA added.
Singapore's Response
The MPA issued a strongly worded statement condemning the incident. “MPA is deeply concerned about the incident, which was unprovoked, unjustifiable, and a breach of international law,” it said. The authority further stressed that “all actions affecting international shipping must fully comply with international law, in particular the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and not endanger the safety of seafarers and ships at sea.”
Iran's Warning Over Hormuz Routes
The incident comes against a backdrop of heightened tensions in the strait. On the same day, Iran's Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy issued a statement through its official outlet Sepah News, asserting that the only authorised routes for vessel passage through the Strait of Hormuz are those announced by Iranian authorities. “Everyone must know that the only routes for passage through the strait are those announced by Iran, and traffic outside those routes is very dangerous and prohibited, and must be strictly avoided,” the IRGC Navy said.
The IRGC's remarks, though not directly claiming responsibility for the incident, add a significant dimension to the investigation. Authorities are actively investigating the attack, with the UKMTO advising all vessels transiting the area to exercise caution and report any suspicious activity.
Why This Matters
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most critical maritime chokepoints, through which roughly 20% of global oil trade passes. Incidents targeting commercial vessels in the region have become a recurring pattern since 2019, raising insurance costs and threatening freedom of navigation. This is among the latest in a series of attacks on commercial shipping in and around the strait, underscoring the fragility of maritime security in the Persian Gulf region.
The investigation's findings and any diplomatic fallout are expected to draw close attention from major maritime nations and global shipping operators in the days ahead.
Point of View
A coincidence that investigators and maritime analysts will find difficult to ignore. Singapore's unusually direct language — calling the incident a breach of international law — signals that even non-aligned maritime states are losing patience. The broader risk is to freedom of navigation norms: if attacks on commercial shipping in international straits go unanswered, the cost will be borne not just by shipowners but by every economy dependent on Gulf energy flows.
NationPress
26 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to the Singapore ship EVER LOVELY in the Strait of Hormuz?
The Singapore-registered container ship EVER LOVELY was struck by an unknown projectile while transiting the Strait of Hormuz on 26 June, sustaining minor damage to its bridge area. All 21 crew members on board are safe, and the vessel has since continued its voyage.
Who is investigating the Strait of Hormuz ship attack?
Authorities, including the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), are investigating the attack. The UKMTO has advised all vessels transiting the area to exercise caution and report any suspicious activity while the probe is ongoing.
What did Singapore's Maritime and Port Authority say about the incident?
Singapore's MPA called the incident unprovoked, unjustifiable, and a breach of international law. It stressed that all actions affecting international shipping must comply with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and must not endanger seafarers.
What did Iran's IRGC Navy say on the same day as the attack?
Iran's IRGC Navy issued a statement on Thursday asserting that the only authorised routes for vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz are those designated by Iranian authorities, warning that movement outside those routes is dangerous and prohibited.
Why is the Strait of Hormuz strategically significant?
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most critical maritime chokepoints, through which approximately 20% of global oil trade passes. Repeated incidents targeting commercial vessels there raise insurance costs and threaten freedom of navigation for the global shipping industry.
