Shipping Under Fire as Four Container Ships Attacked in Hormuz

Four container ships were struck by projectiles in the Strait of Hormuz this week, one of which subsequently sank, amid what has been described as the worst wave of attacks on shipping since the Middle East conflict began.

Singapore-flagged GFS Pride caught fire after being struck on 13 October. All 21 crew escaped unharmed, but the vessel subsequently sank. Floating containers were reported four nautical miles northwest of Ras Shaykh Masud, creating a collision hazard for passing ships.

The other container ships attacked during the period were DP World Kaveri, GFS Giselle and Al Saadiyat.

The container ship attacks form part of a wider series of incidents affecting commercial vessels in the region. Since 10 October, the following attacks have been reported:

• 10 Oct — Valthera (Marshall Islands flag): Tanker struck by a projectile in the Strait of Hormuz, causing a fire.
• 10 Oct — Ocean Molica (Panama flag): Bulk carrier disabled by US forces enforcing the blockade in the Gulf of Oman.
• 11 Oct — Petro Dolphin (Nicaragua flag): Tanker hit by a drone at Sohar Anchorage, Oman; two seafarers missing.
• 11 Oct — Angola Prosperity (Liberia flag): Tanker struck in the Strait of Hormuz off Oman, damaging its steering compartment.
• 11 Oct — Kition M (Panama flag): Tanker damaged in the Strait of Hormuz, with limited pollution reported.
• 11 Oct — Ever Vict (Bahamas flag): Tanker damaged in the Strait of Hormuz; two seafarers injured.
• 11 Oct — Al Maqam (Liberia flag): Tanker attacked and damaged in the Strait of Hormuz.
• 11 Oct — DP World Kaveri (India flag): Containership damaged in the Strait of Hormuz; one seafarer injured.
• 13 Oct — GFS Pride (Singapore flag): Containership struck in the Strait of Hormuz, catching fire before sinking.
• 13 Oct — GFS Giselle (Singapore flag): Containership sustained hull damage in the Strait of Hormuz off Oman; reached a safe anchorage.
• 13 Oct — Al Saadiyat (Marshall Islands flag): Containership struck in the Strait of Hormuz off Oman; continued its voyage.
• 13 Oct — Alfonso (Barbados flag): Tanker reportedly struck by a projectile in the Strait of Hormuz; condition unclear.

Separately, dry bulk carrier Cape Dao sank this week following its 23 September attack, which killed one seafarer.

Westbound is closely monitoring developments and assessing potential shipment disruption. For help reviewing alternative routes and practical solutions to keep your goods moving, please contact our team.