Two Cargo Ships Sink Near Strait of Hormuz After Projectile Strikes

Two cargo vessels sank near the Strait of Hormuz on 13 and 14 October after separate projectile strikes, marking the second and third ship losses in the waterway since the US-Iran conflict began in late February.

The Singapore-flagged container ship GFS Pride, built in 2008 with a capacity of 2,824 TEU and managed from Dubai under Global Feeder Shipping, was hit on 13 October while transiting approximately one nautical mile east of Ras Makhbuq off Oman. The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore reported that the vessel sustained damage and a fire before sinking. All 21 crew members were evacuated without injury. The Hydrographer of Pakistan issued a navigational warning noting floating containers and the wreck location about 4 nautical miles northwest of Ras al-Sheikh Masud in Oman’s Musandam Peninsula. Videos verified by CNN showed black smoke and later cargo scattered in the water with a small oil slick.

In a separate case, the Antigua and Barbuda-flagged bulk carrier Cape Dao, around 170,000 dwt and managed by Peonies Shipmanagement FZE from the UAE, sank on 13 October after an earlier strike on 23 September about 15 nautical miles northeast of Khasab. That initial attack killed one Indian crew member and forced the evacuation of the remaining 26. Maritime risk firm Vanguard reported an unsuccessful salvage attempt. Photographs from shipping sources showed extensive fire damage to the superstructure.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps stated that a container ship carrying more than 2,500 containers had struck a naval mine on what it called an “illegal and dangerous route.” State television quoted the statement and released images of a tilted vessel spewing smoke. Singapore authorities and maritime sources described both incidents as projectile strikes rather than mine hits. A second Singapore-flagged GFS vessel, the 2015-built Giselle of 4,370 TEU, was also hit on 13 October but reached safe anchorage under its own power with its 22 crew unharmed and only hull damage.

Attacks around the strait have increased sharply over the past 10 days. UKMTO recorded at least 24 warnings in October alone, the highest rate since the conflict started on 28 February. At least 28 vessels have been targeted around the chokepoint since 28 September according to industry tallies. Iranian officials told Reuters that Tehran has shifted tactics in response to a US blockade of its ports and tighter sanctions imposed last month. Three ships have now sunk in the broader region since February, according to International Maritime Organization data: the earlier Safeen Prestige in March, plus GFS Pride and Cape Dao.

The Strait of Hormuz carries roughly 21 million barrels of oil daily under normal conditions, along with significant LNG volumes. The recent sinkings and the wider pattern of strikes have already reduced transit volumes and pushed oil prices higher. Shipping companies have rerouted some vessels or increased insurance costs. The UK Maritime Trade Operations centre continues to issue advisories for the area. The Hydrographer of Pakistan and other regional authorities have warned mariners of floating containers and the wreck position.

These losses occur as the United States and its partners maintain a blockade aimed at restricting Iranian oil exports, while Tehran seeks to raise the cost of that pressure ahead of US midterm elections. No major military response to the latest sinkings has been announced. Further attacks remain likely if the standoff continues, and the dual claims—projectile versus mine—leave open the question of attribution that will shape any future diplomatic or military calculation.