Two ships sink near Hormuz after being hit by projectiles amid surge in attacks

Two container ships met their demise near the Strait of Hormuz in the last 24 hours following projectile strikes, according to maritime officials on Wednesday. This surge in attacks has intensified over the last ten days, with Iran claiming it is escalating strikes in response to the US blockade of its ports and the introduction of stricter sanctions last month.

The Singapore-flagged GFS Pride, a small container vessel capable of carrying 2,824 TEU, sank while navigating the strait, according to maritime security sources. The vessel sustained damage and a fire onboard, and all 21 crew members were safely evacuated, with no reported injuries. Meanwhile, the Antigua and Barbuda-flagged Cape Dao, which was struck by a projectile on September 23, sank near the strait, with one crew member killed and the rest evacuated, as per data from the International Maritime Organization.

These incidents mark the second and third vessels to sink since the US-Iran war commenced on February 28, according to an analysis of IMO casualty data. The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore expressed deep concern over the ongoing attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, deeming such actions unprovoked, unjustifiable, and a violation of international law.

MARISKS, a maritime risk management company, warned of the continuing threat to commercial shipping transiting the Strait of Hormuz, noting that the threat extends beyond tankers, with container vessels and bulk carriers also suffering significant damage.