The Navy of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) released images on October 14, 2023, showing that the GFS Pride tanker sank after hitting a mine while passing through a "illegal and dangerous" route in the Strait of Hormuz. This incident has been reported following several attacks on commercial vessels in recent hours.
Details of the GFS Pride Tanker Sinking Incident
According to reports, two other container ships have also been attacked, but the damage to them has been minor. One of these ships, GFS Giselle, with a capacity of 4,370 TEU and a weight of 54,117 tons, was built in 2015 and is registered in Singapore. This ship was able to reach a safe location after the attack, and all 22 crew members are safe.
The GFS Pride tanker, built in 2008 and with a capacity of 2,824 TEU, has been identified in the released images with containers scattered in the water. The Navy of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps stated that this ship "exploded and caught fire after hitting a mine." There has also been no mention of the crew's condition or rescue efforts.
Attacks on Other Ships and Reactions
Recently, information has also emerged about an attack on another container ship named Al Saadiyat (weighing 23,500 tons and registered in the Marshall Islands) and a tanker named Alfonso (weighing 38,842 tons and registered in Barbados). These attacks coincided with the IRGC's announcement of the deployment of new operational units in the eastern Strait of Hormuz and the receipt of advanced weapons in recent weeks.
In response to this incident, the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) issued a statement rejecting the IRGC's claim of controlling the Strait of Hormuz and referenced the transfer of 19 million barrels of oil from this strait the previous day. This statement did not address the increase in Iranian attacks on shipping.
Commercial operations in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important shipping routes, are at risk due to these attacks and military tensions in the region. While Iran continues to strengthen its military capabilities, these attacks could have widespread implications for global trade and maritime security.
