‘Floating iPhones’ Go Viral After Cargo Ship Sinks in Strait of Hormuz; Iran Warns of Online Scams

October 19, 2026 | Digitalita.com News Desk

Iran’s cyber police have warned the public about potential online scams involving so-called “sea iPhones” after a container ship sank in the Strait of Hormuz, triggering claims that its cargo included expensive smartphones and other luxury goods. The warning came after images and videos circulated on social media showing people collecting items from the water following the sinking of a Singapore-flagged container ship. Online claims suggested that the cargo included the iPhone 18 and other high-value products, prompting sellers to advertise allegedly recovered phones at prices below market rates. However, the claims remain unverified, and there is no confirmed evidence that iPhone 18 devices were among the ship’s cargo.

Viral Images Raise Questions About Cargo

The incident attracted widespread attention after photographs and videos purportedly showing people recovering goods from the sea began circulating online. Following the posts, advertisements appeared on Iranian online marketplaces offering what sellers described as “sea iPhones” at discounted prices. The BBC Persian fact-checking team had not verified any of the circulating images of the iPhone 18 by the time of its report. Reviews also suggested that some images may have been generated or altered using artificial intelligence. The actual contents of the sunken vessel have not been established through publicly available cargo documentation.

Iran’s Cyber Police Warn of Fraud

Iran’s cyber police, known as FATA, cautioned consumers against advertisements offering unusually cheap smartphones supposedly recovered from the sea. Javad Mokhtar-Rezaei, deputy head of FATA’s social and cultural affairs division, told the Tasnim news agency that fraudsters exploit consumers’ desire to buy products at low prices. He warned that scammers may collect advance payments under the pretext of deposits, delivery charges or other fees before cutting off contact with buyers. Some advertisements on the Iranian online marketplace Divar were reportedly removed after attracting attention. Authorities have urged consumers to verify sellers and products before making payments, particularly when advertisements rely on unconfirmed claims about recovered cargo.

Saltwater Exposure Could Damage Smartphones

FATA also warned that even if some of the advertised phones are genuine, exposure to seawater and excessive moisture could cause significant damage. Saltwater can corrode internal components, damage circuit boards and batteries, and affect displays. Some faults may remain hidden initially and emerge only after the device has been used for a period of time. Consumers could therefore face financial losses even if a phone appears to be functioning normally when purchased.

What Happened to the GFS Pride?

Singapore’s Maritime and Port Authority previously said the container ship GFS Pride sank in the Strait of Hormuz after catching fire following an impact involving a missile-like object. According to the authority, all 21 crew members were safely evacuated. Iranian naval authorities gave a different account, saying a container ship had struck a naval mine after entering a route they described as unauthorised. The vessel subsequently caught fire and sank. Conflicting accounts have emerged about the circumstances of the incident. Reports also raised questions about whether the vessel described by Iranian authorities was the same ship identified by Singapore’s maritime authorities.

In a separate incident, another Singapore-flagged vessel, identified as GFS, was reportedly struck by an unidentified missile-like object on October 12. The ship sustained structural damage but reached a safe location, and all 22 crew members survived.

No Confirmed Evidence of iPhone 18 Cargo

Although the sinking and the rescue of the crew were reported, publicly available accounts have not provided a complete inventory of the ship’s cargo. There is no independently verified evidence that the vessel was carrying iPhone 18 devices or other specific luxury electronics. The authenticity of the images circulating online, the models of the phones shown and their alleged connection to the ship have also not been established. Without an authenticated cargo manifest or reliable confirmation from the relevant authorities, claims about “sea iPhones” should be treated with caution.

Oman Warns People to Stay Away From Floating Containers

Oman’s Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology has warned fishermen and other members of the public to avoid floating containers in waters near the Musandam Governorate. The ministry cautioned that some containers could carry hazardous materials, potentially putting anyone attempting to approach or retrieve their contents at risk. The warning highlights the dangers associated with recovering cargo from the sea, including potential threats to personal safety, maritime security and questions over the legal ownership of recovered goods.

Social Media Frenzy Fuels Interest in ‘Sea iPhones’

The incident triggered a wave of reactions on social media. Some users joked about “fishing for iPhones instead of fish,” while others questioned whether the circulating images and claims were genuine. The resulting online interest appears to have created an opportunity for sellers to promote discounted phones using the shipwreck story. Authorities have warned consumers to remain vigilant, verify product authenticity and avoid transferring money to unverified sellers.