Two ships have sunk near the Strait of Hormuz after being hit by projectiles in separate incidents, as attacks on commercial vessels in and around the vital waterway reach their highest level since the US-Iran
war began on February 28.
At least 10 vessels have been attacked since Sunday, with four struck on Tuesday and six on Sunday, according to data from maritime security firm Vanguard, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the UK Maritime Trade Operations agency (UKMTO).
Two Ships Sink, One Crew Member Killed
The Singapore-flagged container ship GFS Pride sank while transiting the strait on Tuesday after sustaining damage and catching fire. All 21 crew members were safely evacuated, with no injuries reported, Singapore’s Maritime and Port Authority said on Wednesday.
In a separate incident, the Antigua and Barbuda-flagged dry bulk carrier Cape Dao sank near the strait, weeks after it was hit by a projectile on September 23. One crew member was killed, while the rest of the crew were evacuated following the strike, maritime sources said.
According to an analysis of IMO casualty data, the two vessels are the second and third ships to have sunk since the war began.
Attacks On Shipping Reach New High
The latest incidents underline the growing risks for commercial vessels navigating the Strait of Hormuz. A total of 23 attacks have been recorded since the start of October, almost twice the average monthly number of incidents since the conflict began.
The threat extends beyond oil tankers, with container ships and bulk carriers also suffering serious damage. The Maltese-flagged container ship Safeen Prestige sank after being struck by a projectile in March, while Iran’s Revolutionary Guards seized the MSC Francesca in April.
The Singapore authority condemned the continued attacks on commercial shipping, calling them “unprovoked, unjustifiable, and a breach of international law”.
