Two cargo ships sunk in Strait of Hormuz as Iran ramps up attacks in run-up to midterms
Two cargo ships have sunk near the Strait of Hormuz in the past 24 hours after being struck by unknown projectiles in separate incidents – highlighting the heightened danger to shipping as Iran steps up attacks in an attempt to regain control over the critical waterway. The Singapore-registered container ship GFS Pride was struck on … The post Two cargo ships sunk in Strait of Hormuz as Iran…
Two cargo vessels were destroyed in the Strait of Hormuz within 24 hours, signaling a surge in attacks as Iran seeks to regain control over the vital waterway. The Singapore-flagged container ship GFS Pride caught fire and sank, with all crew members rescued. Footage confirmed black smoke and water engulfing the vessel, with cargo strewn about and an oil slick appearing.
Iranian state media claimed the ship struck a sea mine, but experts suspect a drone strike instead. The merchant ship Cape Dao, registered in Antigua and Barbuda, also sank on September 23 after being hit by a projectile. An Indian crew member lost their life. Despite numerous vessels being hit in the Strait of Hormuz this year, only two have sunk, marking the highest casualty toll since Iran's war started in February.
The escalation in attacks coincides with the Iranian war, increasing oil prices and hindering the flow of Middle Eastern oil. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations reported nine attacks in or near the Strait since September 23, with a significant drop in oil transit. Experts debate whether Iran's claims of naval mines are accurate or if drone strikes are more plausible.
The US Navy's response to these escalating attacks remains a topic of discussion, with the focus shifting to how other nations will react to safeguard global shipping lanes and maritime personnel.
Written by urgent.news from Egypt Independent's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
