In brief
A Singapore-flagged container vessel named GFS Pride was struck by an unidentified projectile while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, causing a fire and severe damage that led to its sinking. All 21 crew were safely evacuated with no injuries reported. The incident follows a pattern of frequent attacks on merchant ships in the area, heightening concerns over maritime security amid regional tensions.
The Singapore-flagged container vessel GFS Pride was hit by an unidentified projectile as it crossed the Strait of Hormuz, triggering a blaze and leading to its ultimate sinking. Motorised rescue teams from Singapore evacuated all 21 crew members unharmed.
Authorities in Singapore confirmed the loss of the ship and said the attack caused significant hull breach and a fire that could not be contained. The GFS Giselle, another Singapore-flagged vessel, also sustained hull damage after a projectile strike but managed to reach a safe anchorage with its crew intact.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claimed the vessel struck a naval mine, citing an "unauthorised" maritime route. Photos released by the Guards showed black smoke and floating containers in the water, suggesting extensive damage.
The Marine Hydrographer of Pakistan reported the sinking occurred 4 nautical miles (7.4 km) northwest of Ras al‑Sheikh Masud in Oman’s Musandam Peninsula. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations noted two unnamed container ships suffered minor damage from unknown projectiles while traversing the strait, but continued their voyage.
The incident underscores a growing trend of attacks on commercial shipping in the region, with at least 24 seafarers killed in 106 incidents since the escalation of the Iran‑U.S. conflict in February. The Americas international maritime authority reports further attacks have increased as the strait remains a strategic oil corridor.
