iPhones and Luxury Perfumes Seen Floating in Strait of Hormuz After Cargo Ship Sinks

TEHRAN: A video purportedly showing boxes of iPhones and luxury perfumes floating on the waters of the Strait of Hormuz has gone viral on social media, drawing widespread attention after a reported cargo ship accident sent valuable commercial goods into the sea.

The footage shows numerous packages of mobile phones and perfume boxes floating on the water, while people aboard nearby boats can be seen attempting to collect some of the items.

According to international media reports, the cargo was being transported aboard the Singapore-flagged vessel GFS Pride, which reportedly encountered an accident in the Strait of Hormuz after departing from Dubai.

The vessel was reportedly carrying approximately 2,500 containers containing electronic products, expensive perfumes and other commercial goods. Following a fire aboard the ship and its subsequent sinking, some of the cargo reportedly spilled into the sea.

Conflicting Accounts of the Incident

Different accounts have emerged regarding the cause of the incident.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reportedly claimed that the vessel had travelled through an unauthorised maritime route and struck a sea mine. Maritime authorities, however, indicated that the ship had been hit by an unidentified projectile.

iPhones and other goods float on the sea surface after a container ship sank in the Strait of Hormuz due to hitting a naval mine. https://t.co/L0FYq55h0r

— Middle East Observer (@ME_Observer_) October 14, 2026

The conflicting accounts have yet to be independently verified, and the precise circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear.

All 21 Crew Members Rescued

Despite the reported sinking and loss of cargo, all 21 people aboard the vessel were rescued safely, according to Singapore’s Maritime and Port Authority. No injuries were reported.

The viral footage has sparked surprise and curiosity among social media users, with images of valuable consumer products drifting across the sea drawing particular attention.

Beyond the unusual scenes, the incident has also highlighted concerns about the safety of commercial shipping routes, the protection of valuable cargo and the risks facing vessels operating in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.