A Singapore-flagged container ship has sunk after being struck by an unidentified projectile while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, raising fresh concerns over maritime security in one of the world’s most strategically important shipping routes.
Singapore’s Maritime and Port Authority confirmed that the GFS Pride was damaged in Tuesday’s incident, triggering a fire before the vessel sank. All 21 crew members were evacuated safely, with no injuries reported. Another Singapore-flagged vessel, the GFS Giselle, sustained hull damage in a separate incident on Wednesday but reached a safe anchorage with all 22 crew members accounted for.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claimed that the sunken vessel had struck naval mines while using an “unauthorised” route through the strait. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency also reported attacks involving container ships in the area.
The incidents add to growing risks for commercial shipping amid the continuing conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel. According to the United Nations’ International Maritime Organization, at least 24 seafarers have been killed in 106 confirmed maritime incidents since the conflict began in February.
The Strait of Hormuz normally carries around one-fifth of global oil and gas shipments, making the security of this vital waterway critical to international trade and energy markets.
