[Singapore-registered cargo vessel sinks, Iranian fishermen scramble to recover iPhones]
According to the UK’s Daily Telegraph, a container ship flying the Singaporean flag caught fire and sank on October 13 while transiting the Strait of Hormuz after being struck by an unknown object. Dozens of cargo containers, reportedly carrying consumer goods, plunged into the sea. It has been widely circulated that the vessel was carrying large quantities of Apple smartphones and high-end perfumes. Following the sinking, numerous smartphones and perfume bottles washed ashore or floated on the surface, drawing crowds of nearby fishermen and civilians who rushed to retrieve them using small boats. Footage of the scene was uploaded to social media platforms, sparking immediate online discussion.
Singapore authorities confirmed that two of its container vessels were targeted in the Strait of Hormuz around the same time. While one vessel sank, the other sustained damage but managed to reach a safe anchorage with all crew members accounted for and unharmed. The incident underscores ongoing navigational risks in the region.
The initial assumption among international observers was that the attack originated from Iran, possibly via missile or drone strike. However, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps later stated that the vessel had entered a restricted waterway without authorization and triggered a mine as a result.
Social media footage shows Iranian fishermen and local residents swiftly heading to the site in small boats to collect debris and goods. Some individuals even jumped into the water to retrieve items. Online comments expressed astonishment at the apparent windfall: “The Iranians really got lucky this time,” one user wrote. Another noted: “These were brand-new iPhones.”
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1879294181126220/
Disclaimer: This article reflects the personal views of the author.