Two cargo ships sunk in Strait of Hormuz as Iran ramps up attacks in run-up to midterms
Two Cargo Ships Sunk in Strait of Hormuz
Qwenews.com – Two cargo ships sunk in Strait of Hormuz attacks have intensified concerns over the safety of commercial shipping on one of the world’s most important energy routes. The vessels went down in separate incidents within 24 hours as attacks in and around the waterway increased.
The Singapore-flagged container ship GFS Pride was struck on Tuesday while passing through the strait. A fire broke out after the attack, and the vessel later sank. Singapore’s Maritime and Port Authority said all crew members were safely evacuated.
Verified footage showed smoke rising from the ship as it took on water. Satellite images later showed containers and cargo floating nearby, along with a limited oil slick.
Iranian state broadcaster Press TV said the GFS Pride hit a sea mine while using what it described as an unauthorized route. Maritime specialists have questioned that explanation, saying the available circumstances appear more consistent with a drone strike.
Second Vessel Also Lost
The Antigua and Barbuda-registered merchant ship Cape Dao also sank after being hit by a projectile on September 23. International Maritime Organization data listed the vessel as sunk on Wednesday. One Indian crew member was killed.
The two cargo ships sunk in Strait of Hormuz incidents are the second and third ship sinkings in the wider Middle East since the Iran war began in February. While other vessels have been damaged this year, the losses underline the growing risks faced by seafarers, cargo owners, insurers and governments dependent on uninterrupted trade.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations recorded nine attacks in or near the strait since Monday, including a drone attack on a tanker. The increase has followed a broader rise in maritime attacks since late September.
Why the Strait Matters to Global Energy Markets
The Strait of Hormuz links the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. It is a crucial passage for oil exports from Gulf producers, and disruptions can delay cargoes, force route changes and increase the cost of transporting fuel.
Kpler, a maritime-data tracking service, recorded 4.147 million barrels successfully passing through Hormuz on Monday. That figure was below one-quarter of the volume seen before the war, while its seven-day average has fallen sharply since the beginning of October.
Lower oil flows have contributed to higher energy prices internationally. The pressure on fuel costs has become a political issue for US President Donald Trump before the midterm elections, alongside concerns about tariffs and the broader cost of living.
“The sinking of Singapore-flagged GFS PRIDE marks a dangerous escalation after weeks of near-daily attacks on commercial shipping. Iran claims a naval mine; but a drone strike is more likely,” said Charlie Brown, a former US Navy officer and senior adviser for United Against Nuclear Iran.
“Many ask what response will the US Navy mount to Iran’s escalating attacks on global shipping,” Brown added. “But the real question is what response will other nations take? How long will the world tolerate this threat to shipping, seafarers and freedom of navigation?”
Iran’s Pressure Campaign in the Waterway
The latest attacks follow a period when Iran appeared to have lost some influence over the strait. The United States has continued enforcing a blockade on Iranian ports as part of its economic pressure campaign, while oil shipments from other Gulf states had moved closer to normal levels in recent months.
Some of that recovery involved tankers crossing the waterway at night with US military escorts. Certain vessels switched off their transponders during these “dark” transits in an effort to reduce the chance of detection.
As more oil resumed leaving the Gulf, Iran’s ability to use the strait as leverage appeared to weaken. The attacks that led to two cargo ships sunk in Strait of Hormuz may be intended to make passage more dangerous and uncertain, particularly as higher fuel prices carry political consequences in the United States.
FAQ: Strait of Hormuz Shipping Risks
Why are attacks in the Strait of Hormuz important? The waterway is a key route for Gulf oil exports. Attacks can disrupt shipping, reduce oil flows and raise transport and energy costs.
Were crews rescued from the GFS Pride? Yes. Singapore’s Maritime and Port Authority said every crew member was evacuated safely after the vessel was struck and later sank.
Could the attacks affect US fuel prices? Reduced oil flows through the strait can put upward pressure on global energy prices, which may affect fuel costs in the United States and elsewhere.