Two Ships Sink near Hormuz after Being Hit by Projectiles Amid Surge in Attacks

Two ships met a tragic fate near the Strait of Hormuz within the past 24 hours, after being targeted by projectiles, according to maritime officials. The incidents occurred in rapid succession and highlight a disturbing surge in attacks on commercial vessels in the crucial waterway. The Singapore-flagged container ship, GFS Pride, with a capacity of 2,824 TEU (twenty-foot equivalent units), experienced damage and a fire on board while navigating the strait, ultimately sinking.

All 21 crew members were safely evacuated, with no reported injuries. The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore expressed deep concern over the repeated attacks on commercial shipping, calling them unprovoked and unjustifiable breaches of international law. The Antigua and Barbuda-flagged Cape Dao, which had already been struck by a projectile on September 23, sank near the strait.

Tragically, one crew member lost their life, while the rest of the crew was swiftly evacuated. This marks the third vessel to sink since the start of the US-Iran war on February 28. The incidents underscore the heightened threat to commercial shipping transiting the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for approximately a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas trade before the conflict.

Tehran has intensified its efforts to control the waterway since February 28, employing new tactics against vessels, including tankers, cargo, and container ships, to maintain elevated oil prices and influence US midterm elections.