MSC Containership Francesca Fired Upon and Escorted into Iranian Waters, Strait of Hormuz

The Panama-flagged containership Francesca, operated by Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), was attacked by IRGC naval forces and escorted into Iranian waters on April 22 while waiting to enter the Gulf of Oman bound for Sri Lanka.

The vessel had been stationary in the Persian Gulf since April 16. AIS data from ShipAtlas shows Francesca went dark on approach to the strait before reappearing in tracking data Wednesday morning off the Iranian coast. The extent of damage has not yet been confirmed.

The IRGC claimed the vessel belonged to Israel and identified it as one of two ships seized in the strait on Wednesday, stating its naval forces had "identified and stopped" the vessels and directed them to Iranian territorial waters. MSC has not publicly confirmed any operational or ownership link to Israeli interests.

Francesca is the second MSC vessel to be seized in the strait. Iranian media reported the IRGC seized both MSC Francesca and Epaminondas on the same day, hours after President Trump extended the ceasefire with Iran while maintaining the U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports.

The vessel's current status in Iranian custody and crew condition have not been publicly confirmed. Authorities are investigating.