SINGAPORE: Two commercial vessels, a container ship and a dry bulk carrier, have sunk near the Strait of Hormuz following separate projectile attacks within the past 24 hours, maritime officials said, amid a growing threat to shipping in the strategically important waterway.
The Singapore-flagged container ship GFS Pride sank on Tuesday after sustaining damage and catching fire while transiting the strait. Singapore’s Maritime and Port Authority confirmed that all 21 crew members were safely evacuated, with no injuries reported.
In a separate incident, the Antigua and Barbuda-flagged bulk carrier Cape Dao sank near the strait weeks after being struck by a projectile on September 23, according to data from the International Maritime Organization (IMO). One crew member was killed, while the remaining crew members were evacuated following the attack.
The vessels are the second and third ships reported to have sunk since the US-Iran war began on February 28, based on an analysis of IMO casualty data.
Singapore’s maritime authority condemned the continued attacks on commercial shipping, describing them as unjustifiable and a violation of international law.
Maritime security concerns have intensified over the past 10 days as Iran escalates strikes in response to the US blockade of its ports and tighter sanctions. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global energy corridor through which approximately one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas trade passed before the conflict.
Security experts warned that the threat extends beyond oil tankers, with container ships and bulk carriers also facing serious damage and sinking risks. The developments have raised fresh concerns about international trade, energy supplies and the safety of vessels navigating the region.
