Iran Strikes Sink Two Ships Near Strait of Hormuz
A container ship and a dry bulk carrier sank near the Strait of Hormuz within 24 hours after being struck by projectiles, according to maritime officials.
The Singapore-flagged GFS Pride, a container vessel with a capacity of 2,824 TEU, sustained damage and caught fire before sinking on Tuesday. All 21 crew members were safely evacuated without injuries, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore said.
In a separate incident, the Antigua and Barbuda-flagged bulk carrier Cape Dao sank weeks after being hit by a projectile on Sept. 23. One crew member was killed, while the rest of the crew was evacuated following the initial strike.
The attacks have contributed to a rising number of vessels being targeted in the Strait of Hormuz since the U.S.-Iran war began on Feb. 28. The GFS Pride and Cape Dao are the second and third ships to sink, according to International Maritime Organization data.
Iranian officials claim increased strikes on vessels are in response to U.S. sanctions and a blockade on Iranian ports. Maritime risk analysts warned that the escalating threat now extends to container and bulk ships transiting the vital waterway.
