Explosion forces crew to abandon Hong Kong container ship in Red Sea

• A Hong Kong-flagged container ship caught fire after an explosion in the Red Sea, forcing the crew to abandon it.
• The vessel was left drifting off the coast of Yemen, with the cause of the fire still unknown.
• The crew, reportedly all Chinese mariners, was rescued unharmed.
• The ship was carrying “dangerous” cargo, though details remain undisclosed.
• The incident adds to security concerns that have reduced Red Sea trade by nearly half.

A container ship traveling north through the Red Sea suffered a major explosion, leaving it ablaze and adrift about 225 kilometers (140 miles) off Yemen’s coast. The cause of the fire remains unclear, but the region has been a frequent target of Houthi attacks, according to AP News.

Crew and Rescue Operations

The crew, reportedly consisting entirely of Chinese mariners, abandoned the ship and was later rescued unharmed. The Chinese navy, which operates in the region, has been monitoring the situation.

Potential Risks and Cargo Concerns

The ship was carrying “dangerous” cargo, but specific details have not been disclosed. Authorities have not provided further information on the ship’s owner or its response to the incident.

Impact on Red Sea Trade and Maritime Security

The Red Sea remains a critical global trade route, but ongoing security threats have significantly reduced shipping traffic. Since November 2023, Houthi attacks have nearly halved vessel movements in the corridor. Despite recent assurances of reduced hostilities, the risks remain high, disrupting an estimated $1 trillion in annual trade.