GFS Pride sinks in Hormuz, cause of sinking disputed

The Singapore-flagged container ship GFS Pride sank in the Strait of Hormuz on October 14 after a fire, and all 21 crew members were evacuated without injury, Singapore’s Maritime and Port Authority said. The cause of the sinking remains disputed, with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) saying the vessel struck a mine and other officials attributing the damage to projectiles. Videos circulating online showed small boats moving among floating or partly submerged shipping containers and people attempting to recover cargo. Reports said the ship carried more than 2,500 containers. Footage showed boats near the containers, including one apparently trying to tow a large container. The videos do not establish how many people took part or confirm the contents of recovered cargo. The IRGC said the GFS Pride had taken what it described as an unauthorised and dangerous route and struck a sea mine, triggering the fire. Singapore’s Maritime and Port Authority said the vessel was struck by unknown projectiles. U.S. Central Command said an IRGC projectile hit the ship while it was under tow and said the strait’s primary shipping routes remained clear of mines. The accounts do not...