A succession of attacks on merchant vessels has left crews injured, ships damaged and one containership sunk, underlining the growing danger to commercial shipping in the Middle East. Four container vessels were struck in the Strait of Hormuz between 11 and 13 October.
The most serious incident involved GFS Pride, which caught fire after being hit on 13 October and subsequently sank. All 21 crew members escaped without injury. Containers were later reported floating four nautical miles northwest of Ras Shaykh Masud, presenting a further hazard to vessels navigating the area.
The other containerships affected were GFS Giselle, Al Saadiyat and DP World Kaveri. Their attacks came alongside a series of strikes involving tankers and another cargo vessel.
Reported incidents since 10 October include:
- 13 Oct — GFS Pride: Containership hit in the Strait of Hormuz; fire followed by sinking.
- 13 Oct — GFS Giselle: Containership suffered hull damage in the Strait of Hormuz off Oman but reached a safe anchorage.
- 13 Oct — Al Saadiyat: Containership struck in the Strait of Hormuz off Oman; remained able to continue its voyage.
- 13 Oct — Alfonso: Tanker reportedly hit by a projectile in the Strait of Hormuz; its condition remained unclear.
- 11 Oct — DP World Kaveri: Containership damaged in the Strait of Hormuz, leaving one seafarer injured.
- 11 Oct — Al Maqam: Tanker sustained damage during an attack in the Strait of Hormuz.
- 11 Oct — Ever Vict: Tanker struck in the Strait of Hormuz; two seafarers injured.
- 11 Oct — Kition M: Tanker damaged in the Strait of Hormuz, with limited pollution reported.
- 11 Oct — Angola Prosperity: Tanker hit in the Strait of Hormuz off Oman; steering compartment damaged.
- 11 Oct — Petro Dolphin: Tanker attacked by a drone at Sohar Anchorage, Oman; two seafarers reported missing.
- 10 Oct — Ocean Molica: Bulk carrier disabled by US forces during blockade enforcement in the Gulf of Oman.
- 10 Oct — Valthera: Tanker caught fire following a projectile strike in the Strait of Hormuz.
The dry bulk carrier Cape Dao also sank this week, although its attack occurred on 23 September. One seafarer died in that earlier incident.
Caledonian Freight is following developments closely and assessing the implications for customer shipments. If disruption affects your cargo, our team can help review routing options and identify practical alternatives. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.
