Commercial shipping in the Middle East has endured a damaging series of attacks, with four containerships struck this week. One subsequently sank, while separate incidents involving tankers have left seafarers injured and missing.
GFS Pride was hit in the Strait of Hormuz on 13 October, triggering a fire that ultimately led to the vessel’s loss. All 21 crew members were evacuated unharmed. Floating containers were later reported four nautical miles northwest of Ras Shaykh Masud, adding a collision risk for ships passing through the area.
Three further containerships — GFS Giselle, Al Saadiyat and DP World Kaveri — were attacked during the same period, although none was reported sunk.
The wider picture includes the following reported incidents since 10 October:
- 13 Oct — GFS Pride: Containership struck in the Strait of Hormuz; caught fire and subsequently sank.
- 13 Oct — GFS Giselle: Containership damaged in the Strait of Hormuz off Oman; reached a safe anchorage under its own power.
- 13 Oct — Al Saadiyat: Containership hit in the Strait of Hormuz off Oman; continued sailing without reported casualties or significant damage.
- 13 Oct — Alfonso: Tanker reportedly struck in the Strait of Hormuz; its condition remained unconfirmed.
- 11 Oct — DP World Kaveri: Containership attacked in the Strait of Hormuz; vessel damage and one injured seafarer recorded.
- 11 Oct — Al Maqam: Tanker damaged following an attack in the Strait of Hormuz.
- 11 Oct — Ever Vict: Tanker damaged in the Strait of Hormuz; two seafarers injured.
- 11 Oct — Kition M: Tanker struck in the Strait of Hormuz, with damage and limited pollution reported.
- 11 Oct — Angola Prosperity: Tanker attacked in the Strait of Hormuz off Oman, sustaining damage to its steering compartment.
- 11 Oct — Petro Dolphin: Tanker hit by a drone at Sohar Anchorage, Oman; two seafarers reported missing.
- 10 Oct — Ocean Molica: Bulk carrier disabled by US forces enforcing the naval blockade in the Gulf of Oman.
- 10 Oct — Valthera: Tanker struck by a projectile in the Strait of Hormuz, resulting in an onboard fire.
Separately, Cape Dao sank this week after sustaining damage in an attack on 23 September. That earlier strike on the dry bulk carrier killed one seafarer.
Global Freight Services is monitoring the situation and reviewing potential effects on customer cargo. With schedules and routing decisions subject to change, please contact our team for help assessing your options and finding practical solutions to shipment disruption.