Crew on Malta-flagged vessel injured in Strait of Hormuz attack

Updated 9pm

Crew members aboard a Malta-flagged French vessel were injured in an attack in the Strait of Hormuz.

Foreign Affairs Minister Ian Borg said the attack was reported in the sea off Oman.

"Malta expresses solidarity with the impacted crew. These are workers who should never have been the target of the war. 

"The Maltese authorities are in touch with the shipping company, which entrusted Malta with the registration of the vessel," he said, urging all parties to respect the freedom of navigation.

UK Times reports that the San Antonio had turned off its transponders to conceal its location at about 8am BST on tuesday, according to tracking data.

The UK's Maritime Trade Operations Centre said the attack took place at about 10pm Tehran time or 7.30pm BST.

The vessel was attacked a day after US President Donald Trump launched Project Freedom to help vessels leave the Strait. 

French shipping company CMA CGM said Wednesday one of its vessels had been hit by an attack in the Strait.

"The CMA CGM San Antonio was the target of an attack yesterday while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, resulting in injuries among crew members and damage to the vessel," the shipping firm said, adding that those injured had been evacuated for treatment.

President Emmanuel Macron said France was "in no way the target".

The Malta-flagged vessel was not sailing under a French flag and was manned by a Philippine crew, according to government spokeswoman Maud Bregeon.

France extended its solidarity to those on board.

On Tuesday, Trump said he was halting the US military operation to escort ships through the vital strait, in a bid to reach a deal with Iran to end the war.

Iran has refused to surrender control of the strait, using it as leverage in the conflict, which began with US-Israeli attacks on Iran in late February.

Malta warns of serious economic and humanitarian consequences

Late on Wednesday, the government said Malta had thanked Oman for immediately evacuating the injured workers for treatment. 

"Maltese authorities, including Transport Malta, are in contact with the owners and representatives of this vessel to continue providing necessary assistance. 

"Malta firmly upholds freedom of navigation as a fundamental principle of international law, essential to global stability and prosperity, including in the Strait of Hormuz. It has consistently used its voice at the United Nations to stress that international straits must remain open, safe, and governed by the rules of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)."

Recognising the Strait of Hormuz as a vital artery for global trade and energy security, Malta also warned that any disruption risked serious economic and humanitarian consequences worldwide.

As an island state and responsible flag State, the government said Malta remained steadfast in its commitment to dialogue, multilateral cooperation, and respect for international law to ensure secure and open seas for all.