**Indian Sailor Missing Following Missile Strike on Cyprus-Flagged Ship in Hormuz**
An Indian crew member is currently unaccounted for after a missile struck the Cyprus-flagged container ship GFS GALAXY in the Strait of Hormuz early Sunday morning. The incident occurred at approximately 1:40 AM Cyprus time, as the vessel was navigating this strategically important maritime route, which is frequently subject to military tensions.
Deputy Shipping Minister Marina Hadjimanoli confirmed the details of the attack on Monday, stating that the missile inflicted severe damage to the ship, particularly in the engine room. The impact necessitated an emergency evacuation, prompting the crew to abandon the vessel.
The GFS GALAXY was carrying a multinational crew of 24 sailors, including individuals from India, Ukraine, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Notably, there were no Cypriot nationals aboard the ship at the time of the attack. The missing crew member has been identified as the ship's third engineer. His disappearance has been confirmed by the vessel's management company, and search and rescue operations are currently being conducted by Omani authorities.
The remaining 23 crew members successfully evacuated the ship using lifeboats and were subsequently rescued by the Omani Navy, which transported them safely to shore. The swift response of the Omani Navy has been commended, as it ensured the safety of the majority of the crew following the missile strike.
In the aftermath of the attack, the GFS GALAXY is being towed to the port of Khor Fakkan in the United Arab Emirates for a thorough assessment of the damage sustained during the incident. Deputy Minister Hadjimanoli has indicated that the Ministry of Shipping is in constant communication with the ship's management company to monitor the situation and coordinate necessary actions.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical passage for global shipping, with a significant volume of oil and goods transiting through its waters. However, it has become increasingly perilous due to ongoing military activities and hostilities in the region. In light of these risks, the Cypriot Deputy Ministry had previously issued guidance to the shipping industry on February 28, advising on precautionary security measures as tensions escalated.
Cyprus is known for operating one of the largest merchant fleets in the world, with many vessels sailing under the Cypriot flag, irrespective of the nationality of their owners or crews. The incident involving the GFS GALAXY underscores the vulnerabilities faced by international shipping in high-risk areas and the importance of maintaining robust security protocols.
As search efforts continue for the missing engineer, the incident has raised concerns regarding the safety of maritime operations in the region and the implications for international trade routes. The situation remains fluid, and authorities are expected to provide further updates as more information becomes available.