Two Singapore-Registered Container Ships Struck by Projectiles in Strait of Hormuz, One Sinks
Two Singapore-registered container vessels were struck by unknown projectiles in the Strait of Hormuz, causing one ship to sink. All crew are safe.
POLICY WIRE — Singapore, Singapore — Two Singapore-registered container vessels were struck by unknown projectiles while navigating through the Strait of Hormuz, resulting in the sinking of one ship and damage to a second, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore announced on Wednesday, October 14.
The incidents involved the ships GFS Pride and GFS Giselle, which were reportedly hit on October 13 and October 14 respectively, according to Singapore time. The authority confirmed that all crew members across both vessels are safe, and no injuries have been reported.
The GFS Pride suffered significant damage and caught fire following the strike before ultimately sinking. All 21 crew members aboard the vessel were successfully evacuated to safety.
Meanwhile, the GFS Giselle sustained hull damage during the attack but managed to maintain its own propulsion, successfully steaming to a secure anchorage. The ship carried 22 crew members, all of whom emerged unharmed.
Authorities confirmed that there were no Singaporean nationals among the crews of either affected vessel. Data compiled by the International Maritime Organization, a specialized agency of the United Nations, indicates that the loss of the GFS Pride represents the second vessel to sink since the outbreak of the US-Iran war on February 28.
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore stated it remains in direct communication with the management company overseeing the vessels and continues to monitor the unfolding situation closely. In a strongly worded statement, the agency expressed deep concern over ongoing hostile actions directed at commercial shipping in the region.
Describing the assaults as unprovoked, unjustifiable, and clear violations of international law, the agency emphasized that all maritime operations must strictly adhere to global legal frameworks, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, to protect the lives of seafarers and safeguard vessels at sea.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
