A Singapore-flagged container ship sank in the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday after striking a mine, international news agencies reported. All 21 crew members were rescued safely.
Iran Revolutionary Guard Navy said the vessel was trying to pass through an unauthorised and dangerous shipping route when the incident occurred. Iranian officials said the ship was carrying more than 2,500 containers.
Images released after the incident show thick black smoke rising from the vessel and containers floating on the water. The cargo reportedly included iPhones, electronic devices and other high-value goods.
As the ship went down, the containers drifted across the sea. Boatmen from Iran’s coastline arrived in small boats to collect them. Video footage shows people pulling containers and goods from the waves.
