Two cargo ships have sunk near the Strait of Hormuz in the past 24 hours after being struck by unknown projectiles in separate incidents – highlighting the heightened danger to shipping as Iran steps up attacks in an attempt to regain control over the critical waterway.
The Singapore-registered container ship GFS Pride was struck on Tuesday while passing through the strait, catching fire and later sinking, according to the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore. All crew members were safely evacuated.
Videos verified by CNN show black smoke rising from the ship as it takes on water, while later footage and satellite images show cargo scattered in the water and a small oil slick. Iranian state media Press TV reported that the ship had “hit a sea mine on an unauthorized route” – which experts cast doubt on, saying a drone attack was more likely.
The merchant vessel Cape Dao, registered under Antigua and Barbuda, also sank, according to data from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) on Wednesday – after it was first hit by projectile on September 23. One Indian crew member was killed.
While many vessels have been hit in the Strait of Hormuz this year, these are only the second and third to have sunk in the Middle East since the Iran war began in February, according to IMO data. Attacks have ramped up significantly since the end of September, once again reducing the amount of oil transiting out of the Middle East and raising oil prices around the world.
by CNN – Two cargo ships sunk in Strait of Hormuz as Iran ramps up attacks in run-up to midterms
