Reviews & Ratings for the Msc-Sariska-V

Maritime shipping giant MSC has reported a brazen attack on its vessel, the 'MSC Sariska V', which was struck by two projectiles while docked in the port of Um-Qasr. The initial projectile hit the ship moments after its departure, with a pilot still aboard. Shortly thereafter, a second projectile impacted the crew's living quarters. Fortunately, all crew members onboard remained safe and were commended for their 'exceptional professionalism' during the incident. The attack, attributed to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy, was reportedly a retaliatory measure following the recent actions of US naval forces against the Gambia-flagged vessel 'Lianstar' on May 29, as it attempted to navigate towards an Iranian port under US sanctions. The IRGC labeled the 'MSC Sariska V' as owned by the 'American-Zionist enemy’. In response, MSC firmly refuted these allegations, asserting that the company operates as a neutral commercial carrier with no connections to either the United States or Israel. Founded by Italian entrepreneur Captain Gianluigi Aponte and based in Switzerland, MSC remains a family-owned business run by his children, Diego and Alexa Aponte, both Italian nationals. The company expressed deep concern over the unwarranted attacks and the substantial risks posed to innocent seafarers and vital maritime commerce in the region. Earlier in the month, on April 22, Iranian forces executed a similar operation, seizing the 'MSC Francesca' (IMO 9401116) and the 'Epaminondas' (IMO: 9153862) while they were attempting to pass through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. The 'MSC Sariska V' has maintained operations in the Gulf even before the onset of the current hostilities, having transited through the Strait of Hormuz on October 10, 2025, and continuing its activities in the region thereafter.

On June 1, 2026, the container ship 'MSC Sariska V' experienced a dramatic explosion while navigating through the Arabian Gulf. The incident occurred around 1 p.m. in Iraqi territorial waters, specifically near buoy number five, shortly after the vessel had completed cargo unloading at Umm Qasr Port and was en route to Qatar. Positioned approximately 40 nautical miles southeast of Umm Qasr, the MSC Sariska V was suddenly impacted on its starboard side, leading to a significant explosion. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries among the crew, and environmental damage from the event was minimal. Subsequent investigations were launched by authorities, with the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) issuing warning 063-26 regarding the incident. Sources from Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) and maritime experts have indicated that the attack might have originated from an Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV), which aligns with similar attack patterns attributed to Iranian forces in the Gulf region. Reports indicate that a second impact followed the initial explosion, resulting in a minor fire onboard; however, the crew managed to extinguish it promptly. Visual assessments of the vessel revealed damage to its hull at mids ship, just above the waterline, suggesting an attack from a USV rather than a traditional mine strike. In a subsequent claim on June 2, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy announced responsibility for the strike, asserting they targeted the vessel, which they alleged had affiliations with the United States and Israel. They framed the strike as retaliation for a previous US attack on the 'Lianstar' in the Sea of Oman. The 'MSC Sariska V' has been operating within the Persian Gulf since the outbreak of the Iran conflict on February 28, 2026. It has served as a crucial link in a regional feeder network established by the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), ensuring cargo delivery across Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Despite appearances suggesting the vessel was heavily laden, it is speculated that many of the containers were empty based on its draft. For visual details and further reports: [gCaptain Article](https://gcaptain.com/msc-containership-damaged-in-apparent-attack-off-iraq/) and [EGYOSINT Video](https://x.com/EGYOSINT/status/2061483139470442525/video/1).

In a significant ruling, the subdistrict court in Middelburg has found the Belgian pilot of the container ship 'MSC Sariska V' not guilty of reckless sailing after a notable incident on the Western Scheldt that occurred on May 8, 2023. The court was tasked with determining whether the pilot's actions endangered a nearby tour boat, the Frisia 10, and caused approximate water damage. The Public Prosecution Service expressed initial hesitations regarding the pilot’s conduct during the vessel’s passage near Terneuzen. Public prosecutor R. Jacobs argued, "I am not convinced that the pilot did not show sufficient seamanship. Analysis of radar images indicated that the MSC Sariska V was traveling at a speed of six knots while nearing the Frisia 10, a pace deemed acceptable for that maritime zone. Following complaints about the ship's wake, the vessel reduced its speed," he explained. The prosecutor further mentioned that the findings were consistently corroborated by statements from the 59-year-old pilot from Ghent, who emphasized that there were no prior notifications regarding the presence of wave-sensitive vessels like the Frisia 10. The pilot testified, "Had I known, I would have decelerated further. I only reduced speed upon visually confirming the tour boat in my line of sight, while also needing to consider other maritime traffic." During the encounter, the bow wave generated by the MSC Sariska V led to a precarious scenario aboard the Frisia 10, causing the vessel to sway and letting water in through the gangway, ultimately resulting in damage estimated at €1,000. Pilot's attorney, M. van der Bent, maintained that his client acted responsibly by slowing the ship down appropriately. Judge J. Hopmans, presiding over the case, noted, "The responsibility for a safe passage lies generally with the overtaking vessel. The Frisia 10 cannot be held at fault. While the container ship’s deceleration could have been more pronounced, the pilot did exhibit proficient seamanship and did not navigate in a perilous manner." Ultimately, the court acquitted the Belgian pilot, affirming his compliance with safe navigation protocols during the incident.

On April 7, 2019, the MSC Sariska experienced a significant engine malfunction while navigating three miles southwest of Les Eboulements, Quebec. The incident occurred at approximately 8:30 p.m. in position 47 25 47 N, 70 24 46 W, prompting the vessel to halt its journey in the St. Lawrence River, close to Iles Aux Coudres. The dedicated crew promptly undertook repairs, allowing the ship to continue its voyage successfully. By April 8 at 6 p.m., the MSC Sariska had safely arrived at the Termont Maisonneuve Container Terminal in Montreal, resuming its operations after the brief interruption.

On January 5, 2016, at 10:30 a.m., the Gravesend lifeboat was urgently dispatched to assist an unconscious Russian crew member aboard the MSC Sariska. The London Coastguard received a distress call reporting that the crew member had stopped breathing. Upon the lifeboat's arrival, rescuers found the man collapsed on the vessel's aft deck as fellow crew members were performing chest compressions. In a race against time, the RNLI team utilized a defibrillator and conducted CPR for approximately 40 minutes. As the container ship docked at the Stanford le Hope superport London Gateway, the East of England Ambulance Service arrived, including the Hazardous Area Response Team (HART), to provide advanced care. Tragically, despite an additional 30 minutes of effort by ambulance crews, they were unable to revive the crew member, marking a heart-wrenching moment for all involved. For further details, check out the report and video on the Thurrock Gazette's website.