A bulk carrier suffered major structural damage after a reported collision and later broke in half before sinking off the coast of Bandar Abbas, Iran, on July 14. The incident occurred north of Qeshm Island, an area near the Strait of Hormuz that remains one of the world's busiest shipping routes

According to Iranian authorities, the vessel sustained severe damage to the middle section of its hull following the collision. As water rapidly entered the ship, the master ordered the crew to abandon the vessel. Search and rescue units, including a pilot boat and a tugboat, were immediately deployed to assist in the emergency response.

All 23 foreign crewmembers were safely evacuated from the vessel and transported to Qeshm Island. No injuries or fatalities were reported during the rescue operation. The vessel later broke into two sections and sank after the damage became too severe to keep it afloat.

Authorities have not yet released the identities of the vessels involved in the collision. An investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the incident, including the circumstances that led to the structural failure of the aging bulk carrier.

The casualty adds to a series of recent maritime incidents reported in and around the Strait of Hormuz, where shipping activity has continued under heightened security conditions. Maritime authorities are expected to monitor the area closely while assessing any navigational or environmental risks resulting from the sinking.