MSC vessel Sariska V struck by two projectiles at Iraq port incident
MSC confirmed MSC Sariska V hit in Iraq’s Um-Qasr port, all crew safe. IRGC claims responsibility; MSC warns on maritime safety.
MSC has confirmed that its vessel, the MSC Sariska V, was struck by two projectiles on 1st June while at the port of Um-Qasr in Iraq.
According to the company, the first projectile hit the vessel while the pilot was onboard as it was departing from the port. A second projectile struck the crew area shortly afterwards.
MSC said all crew members are safe and unharmed. It added that the crew acted with “exceptional professionalism” throughout the incident to secure the vessel and its cargo.
Based on local media reports, the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) has claimed responsibility for the attack. The reports state the strike was carried out in response to US actions on the vessel Lion Star.
MSC stated that this retaliatory action is completely unjustified based on the allegations made by the IRGC, adding that it is a neutral commercial carrier with no affiliation to the United States or Israel.
The company said it was founded by Italian national Captain Gianluigi Aponte and is headquartered and domiciled in Switzerland. It added that it is wholly owned by his children, Diego and Alexa Aponte, both Italian nationals with no other citizenship.
MSC also expressed deep concern over the unprovoked attacks and the risk they create for innocent seafarers, as well as for essential maritime trade in the region.
