Four separate attacks against merchant vessels in the Strait of Hormuz on 13 October have heightened concerns over maritime security in one of the world’s most strategically important shipping corridors. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) issued four new warnings covering incidents involving three container ships and one tanker, all reportedly struck by unidentified projectiles.
Although the initial warnings did not identify the vessels, maritime security specialist Vanguard Tech identified the container ships as GFS Pride, GFS Giselle and Al Saadiyat, and the tanker as Alfonso.
The latest incidents bring the UKMTO’s total for October to 24 warnings and three advisories, underscoring the continuing risks facing commercial shipping in the region.
GFS Pride sinks after onboard fire
Singapore’s Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) confirmed that the Singapore-flagged container ship GFS Pride sank after sustaining damage from a projectile strike that caused a fire onboard. All 21 crew members were safely evacuated, according to the authority.
The incident follows a separate attack on GFS Giselle during its inbound passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Vanguard Tech reported that the vessel sustained minor damage but continued its voyage without any reported injuries. The MPA subsequently confirmed that all 22 crew members were safe and that the ship had reached a safe anchorage, despite damage to its hull.
The other two vessels reported in the latest series of attacks had different outcomes. The status of the tanker Alfonso remains unclear, while Al Saadiyat reportedly suffered no significant damage and no casualties after being attacked during an outbound transit.
Iran claims a container ship struck a mine
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has offered its own account of one of the incidents. According to a statement carried by Sepah News, the IRGC Navy claimed that a container ship carrying 2,500 containers struck a mine in waters south of the Strait of Hormuz.
The Iranian force alleged that the vessel had attempted to navigate an “unauthorised and dangerous” route through the strait. It said the resulting explosion caused a severe fire onboard and ultimately led to the ship’s sinking.
The claim comes as questions remain over the circumstances surrounding the attacks and the identities of the vessels involved in each incident. The IRGC’s account has not, in the information available, been independently linked to a specific ship among those identified by Vanguard Tech.
Tanker Alfonso appears on Iran’s non-compliance blacklist
The tanker Alfonso is included on the Persian Gulf Strait Authority’s (PGSA) non-compliance list, a blacklist established by Iran for vessels it accuses of violating its rules governing passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
According to the PGSA, ships appearing on the list may face restrictions on future transits, fines, detention or confiscation. The vessel’s inclusion therefore places it within a framework of restrictions that could affect its ability to navigate the area.
The three container ships identified in the latest attacks do not appear on the PGSA blacklist. However, another vessel operated by Global Feeders Shipping, GFS Galaxy, was among the first ships added when the list was established. The vessel belongs to the same fleet as GFS Pride and GFS Giselle.
Cape Dao also reported sinking after unsuccessful rescue
The latest reports of losses at sea are not confined to the four incidents recorded on 13 October. Vanguard Tech also reported that the Antigua and Barbuda-flagged capesize bulk carrier Cape Dao was sinking following an unsuccessful rescue attempt.
The bulk carrier was first hit 23 September in an attack that killed one seafarer. The incident was previously reported as an attack on a bulker managed by a UAE firm, highlighting the continuing risks faced by crews transiting the region’s waters.
Attacks Continue; US Military Response Limited
So far, US forces have limited their responses to the increasing incidents involving merchant ships. The US attack on Ocean Molica was the first attack on a merchant ship in the region in a month.
The latest developments come amid growing pressure on shipping operators passing through the Strait of Hormuz, where attacks, mine-related claims and vessel restrictions are creating a more uncertain operating environment. The sinking of GFS Pride, but with the safe evacuation of all its crew, illustrates the possible consequences for commercial fleets transiting the waterway.
