- Merchant vessels near Yemen were hit by missile and drone attacks, causing damage but no casualties.
- The Houthis claimed responsibility for a recent “complex attack” on US Navy ships following a two-week calm.
- A potential environmental disaster was avoided in the Red Sea after a damaged tanker was towed to safety.
UKMTO has reported missile and drone attacks on two merchant ships off the coast of Yemen in the Red Sea. The first incident occurred 64 nm northwest of Al Hudaydah. A vessel reported four splashes near the ship, followed by an impact from an Uncrewed Surface Vessel. It punctured a ballast tank, reports Seatrade Maritime.
Second Attack on Merchant Vessel
In the second incident, a missile hit a vessel located 97 nm northwest of Al Hudaydah, at 0415 hrs.
While the ship sustained damage, the crew remained unharmed. These attacks followed a brief period of calm for merchant vessels in the region.
Escalation in Regional Conflict
The attacks on merchant vessels occurred against the backdrop of recent claims by the Houthis regarding a “complex attack” on US Navy ships.
The Houthis stated they had scored hits with ballistic, drone, and cruise missiles. Despite this, the US military reported no successful impacts after shooting down the threats.
Averted Environmental Disaster
Last month, a potential environmental catastrophe was avoided when a tanker, set ablaze and adrift following attacks by the Houthis, was towed to safety.
The tanker was carrying 150,000 tonnes of oil. Military vessels escorted it, preventing a major oil spill in the Red Sea.
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Source: Seatrade Maritime
