Cargo ship sinks in Strait of Hormuz, Iranian fishermen hunt for iPhones and perfumes

Iranian fishermen along the Persian Gulf have turned their attention from their usual fishing activities to searching for iPhones and French perfumes floating in the Strait of Hormuz after a cargo vessel sank following a reported projectile strike.

The container ship GFS Pride went down on October 14, sending more than 2,500 containers into the sea. Hundreds of local residents took to the water in small boats, hoping to recover valuable items from the scattered cargo.

Footage circulating online showed fishing boats navigating through partially submerged shipping containers as people attempted to retrieve goods. One video showed a small motorboat trying to tow a much larger container through the water.

Conflicting accounts have emerged over the cause of the incident. Singapore, the ship's flag state, reported that a sudden fire broke out on board before the vessel sank.

All 21 crew members were safely evacuated. However, the naval force of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed the vessel had strayed from its authorised route and struck a sea mine, triggering the fire.

The incident has added to concerns over maritime security in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global energy shipments. Iranian Army spokesperson Brig Gen Mohammad Akraminia said the strait's reopening was linked to broader regional developments, warning that US forces would be removed from the area.

He also called on commercial shipping operators to follow designated security routes.

Meanwhile, tensions have continued to escalate elsewhere in the region. The Saudi-led coalition reported intercepting missiles and drones targeting Riyadh and Yanbu, while Houthi forces intensified their siege around Taiz in Yemen, adding to concerns over shipping and security across the Arabian Peninsula.