- A Panamanian-flagged tanker carrying crude oil bound for India, was struck by a missile in the Red Sea.
- The missile, launched from Yemen, hit the vessel’s port side.
- The ship reportedly sustained minor damage, and the crew is reported to be safe.
Missile Strike in the Red Sea
The U.S. State Department confirmed that a Panamanian-flagged tanker, en route to India, was hit by a missile in the Red Sea. The missile was launched from Yemen and struck the vessel on its port side. Earlier reports from the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) and Ambrey, a British maritime security firm, indicated that the tanker was hit 72 nautical miles northwest of the port of Mokha, off Yemen.
Minor Damage and Crew Safety
According to Ambrey, the ship reportedly sustained minor damage as a result of the missile strike. The crew on board the vessel was reported to be safe and unharmed. The incident adds to the series of attacks on international shipping in the region, with the State Department condemning such lawless actions.
Voyage Details and Ownership
The ship had embarked from Russia’s Black Sea port city of Novorossiysk on January 24 and was scheduled to discharge its cargo in Paradip, India, on February 28. The vessel is carrying crude oil bound for the Indian Oil Company’s refinery in Paradip.
Houthi Threats and Impact on Shipping
The missile attack is attributed to Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels, who have vowed to continue such attacks on Red Sea shipping as a show of solidarity with the Palestinians. The Houthi leader, Abdulmalik al-Houthi, emphasized in a recent speech that their operations have a significant impact on the perceived enemy, contributing to what they consider a success and triumph. These attacks on ships in the Red Sea have raised concerns about their impact on global commerce, potential inflation, and the broader regional conflict involving Israel and Hamas.
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Source: Reuters
