Two Singapore-flagged container vessels have been struck by “unknown projectiles” at the Strait of Hormuz, in incidents that have “deeply concerned” the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA).
One of the affected vessels has sunk, but no injuries were reported on either vessel, MPA said in a media release on Wednesday (14 Oct).
The Strait of Hormuz. Source: Joerg Hartmann on Pexels
The first incident occurred on Tuesday (13 Oct) Singapore time when the GFS Pride was transiting the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway between Iran and Oman.
After being hit, a fire broke out on board the vessel, which also sustained damage.
The GFS Pride then sunk, though all 21 crew members were safely evacuated with no injuries reported.
Source: VesselFinder
According to VesselFinder, the 18-year-old ship had visited the port of Al Fujayrah Anch in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on 3 Oct.
In the second incident, the GFS Giselle was transiting in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday (14 Oct) Singapore time when it was similarly struck by an unknown projectile.
It sustained hull damage but managed to proceed to a safe anchorage under its own propulsion.
All 22 crew members on board are safe and no injuries were reported.
Source: VesselFinder
According to VesselFinder, the 11-year-old ship was set to arrive at the port of Fujairah, UAE, on 8 Oct.
No Singaporeans are on board both vessels, MPA said.
MPA, which is Singapore’s national sea transport representative, is in contact with the management company of the vessels.
It is also monitoring the situation closely.
MPA expressed deep concern over the latest incidents, as well as the “continued attacks on commercial shipping” in the Strait of Hormuz, adding:
Such attacks are unprovoked, unjustifiable, and a breach of international law.
It noted that all actions affecting international shipping must “fully comply” with international law, in particular the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea,
They must also refrain from endangering the safety of seafarers and ships at sea, it maintained.
The Strait of Hormuz has been at the centre of a prolonged conflict between the United States and Iran, which started on 28 Feb.
Since then, the key shipping route for crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) has been closed and reopened repeatedly, driving up energy prices.
Several vessels passing through the waterway have been subjected to attacks, including one on a Thai-flagged vessel that killed three crew members.
In June, a Singapore-flagged cargo ship was hit by an unknown projectile in the Strait of Hormuz, with no injuries reported.
Also read: S’pore-flagged cargo ship struck by ‘unknown projectile’ in Strait of Hormuz
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Featured image adapted from VesselFinder, VesselFinder and Joerg Hartmann on Pexels.