Two Singapore-flagged cargo ships have been struck by unidentified projectiles while sailing through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, with one vessel sinking following a fire.
According to Singapore’s Maritime and Port Authority, the incidents occurred on October 13 and 14, raising fresh concerns about the safety of commercial shipping in the region.
The first vessel, GFS Pride, reportedly caught fire after sustaining damage and later sank. All 21 crew members were safely evacuated, and no injuries were reported.
In a separate incident, another Singapore-flagged ship, GFS Giselle, suffered damage to its hull. However, the vessel managed to reach a safe anchorage under its own power. All 22 crew members aboard were reported safe.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard said a cargo ship had sunk after hitting a naval mine while allegedly travelling along what it described as an unauthorized route. However, it remains unclear whether the Iranian account was referring to the GFS Pride.
The circumstances surrounding the two incidents remain uncertain, as the identities of those responsible for the reported attacks have not been independently established.
The incidents have drawn attention to security risks facing commercial vessels navigating the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping route for energy supplies and international trade.