The container ship CMA CGM San Antonio came under attack and was hit by a missile while transiting the Strait of Hormuz during heightened regional hostilities.
The Maltese-flagged vessel was struck on 5 May. Initial alerts from the UK Maritime Trade Operations described the incident as a strike by an unknown projectile. Later, CBS News reported, citing US officials, that a land-attack cruise missile likely hit the vessel.
CMA CGM San Antonio carries a multinational crew, with preliminary reports confirming that several seafarers were injured in the strike. Most of them are Filipino nationals. At least one of the seafarers sustained serious injuries requiring urgent medical evacuation after the incident. The condition of the remaining crew is reported as stable.
Following the impact, the ship maintained limited operational control and drifted toward waters near the UAE coast. Its AIS signal has since gone offline. Emergency coordination began between regional maritime authorities and the operator. A nearby port prepared for a possible medical evacuation of the crew, while rescue assets were placed on standby.
After the strike on the boxship, Donald Trump announced a temporary pause to Project Freedom, launched on 4 May to guide stranded merchant vessels out of the Gulf under military protection. He cited progress in diplomatic talks with Iran and requests from intermediary countries, including Pakistan.
In parallel, Iran has introduced a new mechanism to regulate maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. Vessels must obtain prior authorisation before entering the waterway, and Tehran has launched the Persian Gulf Strait Authority, which now issues transit instructions directly to shipowners via email.
Iran says the system formalises transit coordination. However, shipping companies face uncertainty, as compliance may conflict with international sanctions regimes and competing US restrictions.
