Two commercial ships have sunk near the Strait of Hormuz following projectile attacks, intensifying concerns over maritime security as Iran expands its campaign against shipping through one of the world’s most important energy corridors.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
Two commercial vessels have sunk near the Strait of Hormuz after sustaining damage in separate attacks, maritime authorities and security firms confirmed Wednesday, October 14, as escalating hostilities threaten international shipping and global energy supplies.
The Singapore-flagged container ship GFS Pride sank after being struck by an unidentified projectile while traveling through the strait Tuesday. The Antigua and Barbuda-flagged bulk carrier Cape Dao also sank after suffering damage in an earlier attack on September 23.
According to Reuters, the sinkings are among the first confirmed losses of commercial vessels in months, reflecting a sharp escalation in maritime attacks amid the war involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
Singapore’s Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) confirmed that GFS Pride sustained extensive damage and caught fire after being hit on October 13.
“GFS PRIDE sustained damage and a fire on board, and has since sunk. All 21 crew members were safely evacuated. No injuries have been reported,” the agency stated.
The vessel, capable of carrying approximately 2,824 twenty-foot equivalent shipping containers, was managed by United Arab Emirates-based GFS Ship Management FZE.
Singaporean authorities condemned the attack and warned that continued violence against civilian shipping threatened international maritime security.
“MPA is deeply concerned about the continued attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz,” the agency said.
“Such attacks are unprovoked, unjustifiable, and a breach of international law.”
A second Singapore-registered container ship, GFS Giselle, was also struck by an unknown projectile Wednesday. The vessel sustained hull damage but reached a safe anchorage under its own power, with all 22 crew members reported safe.
The Cape Dao, meanwhile, sank after an unsuccessful salvage operation following the projectile strike it sustained September 23.
British maritime security firm Vanguard confirmed the vessel’s deteriorating condition in an advisory issued Wednesday.
“The Antigua & Barbuda flagged bulk carrier CAPE DAO, originally hit on the 23 September, is reported to be sinking after an unsuccessful rescue attempt,” the company stated.
The earlier attack reportedly killed one crew member. The vessel was managed by UAE-based Peonies Shipmanagement FZE, which had not immediately commented on the latest developments.
The incidents follow the sinking of the Maltese-flagged container ship Safeen Prestige, which was struck by a projectile in March and subsequently sank north of the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps also attacked and seized the container ship MSC Francesca in April, demonstrating the increasing risks faced by commercial operators in the region.
The latest sinkings come as Iran intensifies efforts to restrict shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman.
Before the conflict began February 28, approximately one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas trade passed through the strait, making uninterrupted transit essential to international energy markets.
Since the United States and Israel launched military strikes against Iran, Tehran has sought to exert greater control over commercial shipping, including vessels attempting to transit without Iranian authorization.
The United States has responded with a naval blockade targeting Iranian ports and expanded economic sanctions intended to pressure Tehran.
According to a separate Reuters investigation, two senior Iranian officials said Tehran is adopting new tactics against commercial vessels to maintain pressure on Washington and influence global oil prices ahead of the November 3 U.S. midterm elections.
The officials described a strategy involving attacks on vessels considered to be violating Iranian restrictions, with operations extending beyond oil tankers to cargo ships and container vessels.
The expansion increases risks for shipping companies transporting manufactured goods, raw materials and other commercial cargo unrelated to the energy trade.
Maritime security experts warn that repeated attacks could force more operators to suspend voyages, seek alternative routes or pay substantially higher insurance premiums.
Such disruptions could also increase transportation costs and worsen existing supply-chain pressures, particularly if the conflict continues to affect oil production and shipping infrastructure throughout the Persian Gulf.
Singaporean authorities said they remain in contact with the operators of the damaged vessels and continue monitoring maritime security conditions.
The International Maritime Organization has also expressed concern about attacks on civilian shipping and the growing dangers facing merchant seafarers.
With two additional ships lost and other vessels sustaining damage, the latest incidents underscore the escalating risks of commercial navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
The attacks have heightened concerns that continued hostilities could further restrict access to the strategic waterway, disrupt global trade and prolong pressure on international energy markets.
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