Omani authorities have issued a maritime safety alert after shipping containers began drifting in waters off the Musandam coast following the sinking of a Singapore-flagged cargo vessel near the Strait of Hormuz.
The vessel, identified as GFS Pride, caught fire and sank on October 14, triggering concerns over floating cargo and potential hazards to fishermen, boat operators and other sea users.
Authorities warned that some of the containers could contain hazardous materials, urging fishermen and other marine users to maintain a safe distance and avoid attempting to open, retrieve or handle the drifting cargo.
Anyone who spots floating containers has been directed to report them to the relevant authorities.
Reports circulating alongside the incident have drawn attention to valuable consumer goods, including iPhones, allegedly among cargo seen floating at sea. However, the contents of the lost containers have not been independently confirmed publicly.
The incident has also raised concerns about the environmental impact of the shipwreck, particularly the possibility of hazardous substances entering surrounding waters.
Omani authorities are monitoring the affected area and coordinating efforts to manage the drifting containers and minimise risks to maritime traffic.
The sinking comes amid heightened security concerns around the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic international shipping corridor linking the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman.
Claims accompanying reports of the incident have cited as many as 2,500 container ships sinking and losses of $100 million amid attacks on vessels in the region. However, these figures have not been substantiated by the information available about the GFS Pride incident and should not be treated as confirmed.
The sinking underscores the dangers facing commercial shipping and the importance of verifying reports of maritime losses as authorities continue to assess the situation.
