Iran Strait of Hormuz update: Fishermen race to scoop up iPhones and perfume from sunken ship

On October 14, hundreds of Iranian fishermen ventured into the Strait of Hormuz to collect iPhones and French perfume that spilled from a container ship. The Telegraph reported that video footage showed crews pulling boxes from the water amidst floating containers. Iran's navy claimed the ship struck a sea mine, while Singapore, the ship's registered country, attributed the sinking to an onboard fire.

All 21 crew members were safely evacuated. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) navy alleged the ship had deviated from an approved route, struck a mine, and subsequently caught fire. The GFS Pride, carrying over 2,500 containers, was Iran's second ship loss within 24 hours and the third loss since the conflict commenced in late February.

The first casualty was the Cape Dao, sunk by an attack on September 23. In response to the IRGC's intensified attacks, Iran's navy announced the reopening of the strait contingent on the US withdrawal from the region. Brig Gen Mohammad Akraminia, the army spokesman, blamed the US for safety concerns east of the strait and urged shipowners to utilize an Iran-authorized route.

The IRGC also reported a fire on a tanker in the Gulf of Oman, alleging the tanker had disabled its tracking systems and entered a restricted zone. Meanwhile, in Yemen, Saudi-led coalition forces reported shooting down ballistic missiles and drones over Riyadh, as well as destroying a missile aimed at the Red Sea port of Yanbu.