Ship attacks mount in Strait of Hormuz as Singapore-flagged GFS Pride sinks
First seen · Oct 17, 4:04 AM (Seoul) · Last updated · Oct 17, 4:04 AM (Seoul)
Amid the war with Iran, attacks on ships around the Strait of Hormuz have damaged more than 20 vessels this month. The Singapore-flagged GFS Pride sank after being hit by a projectile, and on Oct. 16 a tanker carrying Indian crew was also attacked.
What happened
The Singapore-flagged GFS Pride caught fire and sank after being hit by an unidentified projectile, and all 21 crew members were safely evacuated, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore said. On Oct. 16, a crude oil tanker carrying 15 Indian crew members was struck by a projectile in the Strait of Hormuz, India’s shipping minister said.
Why it's trending
According to UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), more than 20 vessels, mostly tankers, have been attacked this month in the Strait of Hormuz, the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. With a key oil shipping route under threat, global oil prices remain elevated, and the U.S. average gasoline price stands at $4.33 a gallon.
Reactions
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claimed the Pride struck a mine, but maritime security firm Marisks said there was no independent evidence that a mine was to blame. U.S. Central Command rejected claims that Iran controls the strait, saying commercial traffic continues.
What to watch
President Trump has said he will not use nuclear weapons or ground troops against Iran, but the White House and Pentagon have reportedly prepared plans to use the MOAB, the largest non-nuclear bomb. Whether further attacks occur will shape shipping through the strait and oil prices.