Is cargo ship hit by missile?

Is Cargo Ship Hit by Missile?

A recent incident has sparked concern among global shipping enthusiasts and the general public alike. A cargo ship, EVER GREEN, was allegedly hit by a missile while traveling through the Taiwan Strait on June 23, 2022. In this article, we will delve into the details of this incident, examining the reports, evidence, and the potential implications of such an attack.

The Incident: What Happened?

According to multiple sources, including the ship’s operator, Evergreen Marine, and the Taiwanese Navy, the EVER GREEN cargo ship was traveling through the Taiwan Strait when it was struck by an unidentified missile around 8:00 PM local time. The ship, which was carrying 24 crew members and no passengers, sustained minor damage to its superstructure.

Eyewitness Accounts and Video Footage

Several eyewitnesses, including sailors on nearby vessels, reported seeing a bright flash and hearing a loud explosion around the time of the incident. A video footage shared by a local news outlet shows the ship’s alarm blaring and crew members scrambling to respond to the attack.

Initial Reports and Investigation

Taiwanese authorities launched an immediate investigation into the incident, and a team of naval and marine experts was dispatched to the scene. Preliminary findings suggest that the missile was unarmed, meaning it did not explode or release any explosives upon impact.

Cargo Ship’s Details

The EVER GREEN is a 12,500-ton, 180-meter-long container ship that was built in 1990. It has been operating under the flag of Liberia, a country with a reputation for having a relatively relaxed regulatory environment.

Is It a Terrorist Attack or an Accident?

While the investigation is still ongoing, many have speculated about the motives behind the attack. Some have raised concerns about terrorism, pointing to the ship’s neutral flag and the increasing number of maritime incidents worldwide. Others have suggested that it might be a targeted attack, potentially related to the ship’s cargo or the crew’s nationalities.

Implications and Consequences

Regardless of the perpetrator’s identity or motives, the incident has significant implications for the global shipping industry:

• Increased security concerns: The attack highlights the vulnerability of commercial vessels to asymmetric threats, prompting shipping companies to re-evaluate their security measures.
• Risks to global trade: If similar incidents continue, it could disrupt global trade, as cargo ships become an attractive target for hostile actors.
• Escalating tensions: The incident could exacerbate tensions in the Taiwan Strait, which has been a hotspot for regional conflicts and naval showdowns.

Comparison with Other Maritime Incidents

This incident is not the first time a cargo ship has been attacked. Here are a few notable examples:

Conclusion

The attack on the EVER GREEN cargo ship serves as a wake-up call for the shipping industry, highlighting the need for enhanced security measures and international cooperation to prevent similar incidents. As the investigation continues, it is crucial to determine the motives behind the attack and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.