The number of attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz and its surrounding waters has reached its highest level since the start of the war between the United States and Israel with Iran. According to data from maritime security agencies, at least 10 ships have been targeted between Sunday and Tuesday; these attacks include six on Sunday and four on Tuesday.
Reported Attacks and Damages
Data from Vanguard Maritime Security and the International Maritime Organization indicates that the number of recorded attacks on Sunday was the highest daily figure since the war began on February 28, 2025. Maritime sources have reported that at least two sailors are missing, and there is also a report of a container ship sinking.
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The Singapore Maritime and Port Authority announced that two container ships flying its flag were targeted by unidentified projectiles while passing through the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday and Wednesday, October 21 and 22; one of these ships caught fire and sank, but all 21 crew members were safely evacuated.
Impact on Shipping and Energy Exports
Vanguard Maritime Security identified the sunken ship as the “GFS Pride” and stated that four ships were attacked in the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, with the status of one of them, the oil tanker “Alfonso,” still unknown. The UK Maritime Trade Operations Center also reported minor damage to two vessels and their continued passage.
Since the beginning of October, 23 attacks on ships in this area have been recorded, nearly double the monthly average of attacks since the war began. These attacks have caused widespread disruption to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway that is normally one of the most important routes for oil and other goods exports.
Baron Gupta, an analyst at Vanguard Maritime Security, stated that the renewed increase in attacks could be a reaction from Tehran to the improvement in oil export flows from the Persian Gulf. Meanwhile, the United States has announced that it targeted a cargo ship as part of the maritime blockade of Iranian ports.
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