Iranian fishermen searching for fish find floating iPhones, luxury perfumes in Hormuz

Iranian fishermen who ventured out to catch fish instead encountered a haul of unexpected items, including iPhones, expensive perfumes and other goods drifting on the sea. Videos shared online showed boxes and merchandise floating near the site of a shipwreck, prompting local fishermen to head towards the area in their boats and retrieve some of the cargo.

The discovery has drawn widespread attention online, but the circumstances behind the floating goods point to a more serious incident involving a cargo vessel that caught fire and sank in the strategically important waters of the Strait of Hormuz. While some of its cargo was recovered by fishermen, the cause of the incident remains unclear, raising concerns about the safety of commercial shipping in the region.

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Iranian fishermen find floating cargo after GFS Pride sinks

The Singapore-based cargo ship GFS Pride caught fire and sank on October 14 after reportedly being struck by an unidentified object. All 21 crew members managed to abandon the vessel safely, according to reports.

The fire and subsequent sinking sent part of the ship’s cargo to the seabed, while other goods remained afloat. Videos circulating online showed boxes and various items scattered across the water, with fishermen recovering some of the merchandise.


Although the discovery of valuable goods may have appeared like an unexpected windfall, the circumstances surrounding the wreck have raised wider concerns about maritime safety in the area.

What caused the GFS Pride cargo ship to sink?

The precise cause of the incident has not been established. Iranian military authorities reportedly attributed the sinking to a mine that the vessel struck while sailing near a military zone.

Other possibilities include a missile or drone attack. However, the officially reported account so far refers to an unidentified object hitting the ship, and no definitive explanation has been confirmed.

The location adds to the significance of the incident. The Strait of Hormuz is a heavily used shipping corridor linking the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman, making disruptions in its waters a concern for commercial vessels and the wider maritime industry.

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Why the shipwreck raises concerns about Strait of Hormuz security

The sight of merchandise floating on the water has captured attention, but the sinking highlights the risks faced by vessels navigating the Strait of Hormuz. Incidents involving commercial ships can disrupt shipping operations, expose cargo to loss and create uncertainty for businesses that depend on maritime transport.

The wreck also presents potential dangers for people approaching the site to retrieve floating goods. If a damaged vessel remains unstable or faces a risk of explosion or capsizing, nearby individuals could be exposed to serious hazards.

Videos showing other ships damaged in attacks have also circulated online recently, adding to concerns about maritime security in the region. With the cause of the GFS Pride incident still unresolved, the discovery by Iranian fishermen has drawn attention to the wider risks surrounding commercial traffic through the strait.