Oil Tanker on Fire in Strait of Hormuz After Container Ship Sinks

Iran’s army claims a violating oil tanker is on fire in the eastern Strait of Hormuz, according to state media reports on Thursday.

The army stated the rogue tanker disabled its tracking systems and was attempting to pass through a restricted area in the Gulf of Oman. The GFS Pride, with a capacity for 2,824 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU), caught fire and sank. All 21 crew members were safely evacuated, and no injuries were reported, according to the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA).

The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) received a report of a container ship struck by an unknown projectile, though it is unclear if this refers to the GFS Pride or if the two incidents are linked. The sinking of the GFS Pride marks the second vessel to sink since the US-Iran war began on February 28, according to data from the UN shipping agency, the International Maritime Organisation.

The merchant vessel Cape Dao, registered under Antigua and Barbuda, also sank after being hit by a projectile on September 23, resulting in one Indian crew member's death. Attacks around the waterway have surged over the past 10 days amid deadlocked talks between the US and Iran. More than 20 oil tankers and other vessels have been attacked this month.

Top Iranian negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf reiterated earlier this month that Iran would not reopen the vital waterway until the US accepts Tehran’s terms, including lifting sanctions and releasing frozen Iranian funds.