Iranian Fishermen Rush to Collect iPhones, Perfumes After Cargo Ship Sinks Near Strait of Hormuz
Hundreds of Iranian fishermen reportedly rushed towards the Strait of Hormuz after the Singapore-flagged cargo ship GFS Pride sank on October 14, 2026. Viral videos show people attempting to retrieve iPhones, perfumes and other goods from floating containers. All 21 crew members were reportedly rescued safely. Singapore attributed the sinking to a fire, while Iran's IRGC claimed the ship struck a sea mine. The incident comes amid growing tensions affecting commercial shipping in the region.
Tehran: Hundreds of Iranian fishermen reportedly rushed towards the Strait of Hormuz after a Singapore-flagged cargo ship, GFS Pride, sank on October 14, 2026. Videos circulating online show small fishing boats navigating between floating shipping containers as people attempt to retrieve valuable goods, including iPhones, French perfumes and other merchandise.
The incident has attracted widespread attention as footage shows fishermen attempting to recover cargo from the partially submerged containers, despite warnings about the dangers of operating near the wreckage.
Fishermen Race Towards Sunken Cargo Ship
According to videos circulating on social media, fishermen gathered along Iran's Gulf coast after learning that a container ship had sunk near the Strait of Hormuz.
In one video, a man reportedly announces that his group is heading towards the strait after hearing that containers carrying iPhones and perfumes were floating in the water.
Other footage shows several small boats moving through the affected area while men attempt to pull boxes from partially submerged containers.
One particularly striking video shows a small fishing boat apparently struggling to tow an entire shipping container.
The footage has gone viral, although the exact quantity and value of goods recovered have not been independently established.
GFS Pride Sank After Fire; All 21 Crew Members Rescued
The Singapore-flagged cargo vessel GFS Pride reportedly sank on October 14 following a fire on board.
According to Singaporean authorities, all 21 crew members were safely evacuated, and no injuries were reported.
The vessel was carrying more than 2,500 shipping containers when it sank.
However, conflicting accounts have emerged regarding the cause of the incident.
Singaporean authorities attributed the sinking to a fire, while Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) navy claimed that the vessel had entered an unauthorised and dangerous maritime route before striking a sea mine.
According to the IRGC's account, the suspected mine strike triggered the fire that ultimately caused the ship to sink.
The competing explanations have not been independently reconciled.
Floating Containers Pose Danger to Fishermen
The sinking left shipping containers and other debris floating in the surrounding waters, creating potential hazards for small boats and commercial vessels.
Despite the risks, fishermen reportedly approached the wreckage in an attempt to recover goods.
The IRGC navy has warned vessels to avoid the affected area and urged local fishermen to exercise caution around drifting containers.
Partially submerged containers can be difficult to spot and may pose serious collision risks, particularly for smaller fishing vessels.
Strait of Hormuz Faces Growing Shipping Security Concerns
The sinking comes amid heightened security concerns affecting commercial shipping in and around the Strait of Hormuz.
According to the reported sequence of incidents, GFS Pride was the second vessel to sink within 24 hours and the third since the regional conflict began in late February.
The Antigua and Barbuda-flagged Cape Dao was reportedly lost following an attack on September 23.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most strategically important maritime passages, connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and international shipping routes.
Disruptions in the region can affect global energy transportation, commercial shipping and international supply chains.
Iran Links Reopening of Strait to US Military Withdrawal
Amid the ongoing maritime tensions, Iranian officials have linked the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to the withdrawal of American military forces from the region.
Brigadier General Mohammad Akraminia, a spokesman for Iran's army, said on Friday that the strait could reopen if US forces left the region.
He warned that Iranian forces would seek to expel American troops if they remained.
Akraminia also accused Washington of contributing to insecurity in nearby waters and urged commercial ship operators to use maritime corridors designated by Iran's armed forces.
These statements reflect Iran's official position and do not establish that the proposed corridors are safe.
Viral Videos Highlight Unusual Aftermath of Maritime Incident
While the circumstances surrounding the sinking remain disputed, videos of fishermen attempting to recover valuable cargo have drawn considerable attention online.
The images show small boats navigating dangerous waters filled with floating containers, highlighting both the unusual aftermath of the incident and the risks associated with maritime salvage.
Authorities have continued to warn fishermen and other vessels against approaching hazardous areas near the wreckage.