Two cargo vessels have sunk near the Strait of Hormuz in separate incidents after being hit by projectiles within 24 hours, maritime officials said Wednesday.
The vessels included the Singapore-flagged container ship GFS Pride, which caught fire and sank while transiting the strait on Tuesday.
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore said all 21 crew members were safely evacuated, with no injuries reported.
Meanwhile, the Antigua and Barbuda-flagged bulk carrier Cape Dao also sank, weeks after it was struck by a projectile on September 23.
One crew member was killed, while the rest of the crew were evacuated following the attack.
According to reports, attacks around the Strait of Hormuz have intensified amid escalating tensions between Iran and the United States.
Iran has said it is stepping up its attacks in response to the US blockade of its ports and tougher sanctions imposed on the country.
Maritime risk management firm MARISKS warned that the threat to commercial shipping in the area extends beyond oil tankers, with container vessels and bulk carriers also at risk of serious damage.
(Photo Courtesy: Reuters)
