A vessel carrying more than 2,500 containers has reportedly sunk in waters south of the Strait of Hormuz after catching fire following an alleged naval mine strike, according to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy.

The IRGC Navy said the ship was attempting to navigate a route it considered unauthorised and dangerous when the explosion occurred on Wednesday. The resulting fire reportedly intensified until the vessel sank, according to The Guardian’s report on the incident.

Iranian authorities did not identify the ship or disclose its registration, operator or the condition of its crew. The reported mine strike has not been independently confirmed, leaving the precise circumstances of the sinking unclear.

The incident comes amid continued attacks on commercial shipping in the strategic waterway. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that two container ships were struck by unidentified projectiles on Tuesday. Both vessels sustained limited damage and continued their journeys, with no casualties reported in those incidents.