Greek and British ships hit by Houthi attacks

A Houthi spokesperson claimed the group had successfully hit Star Nasia, an 82,220 dwt bulker owned by Star Bulk and 12,000 dwt general cargo ship Morning Tide. In a release, the Houthis referred to Star Nasia as an American ship, and Morning Tide as a British ship.

The attacks used “suitable naval missiles,” according to the group, and were “direct and accurate.” Both ships have since been reported as continuing on their way.

Aligning with the details of the Star Nasia attack, the UKMTO carries a report of an explosion in close proximity to a merchant vessel 50 nm South of Aden at 1100 hrs on February 6, and that the crew and vessel were safe. Reuters reports a Greek shipping ministry official as confirming the attack and damage. The cause of the explosion and nature of the attack was unclear.

The attack on Morning Tide, which is operated by British firm Furadino Shipping, was initially reported as a UAV attack which caused minor damage to the port side of the vessel.

UKMTO carries a report of a projectile fired at a ship at 0050 hrs on February 6 around 57 nm West of Al Hudaydah, Yemen. The missile was fired from a small vessel on the port side of Morning Tide and passed over the deck causing slight damage to the bridge windows. The crew and vessel were safe, said the report.

The Houthis claim to be carrying out the attacks on shipping in the Red Sea in solidarity with Palestine. Initially claiming to target Israel-linked vessels, the group extended its targets to include US and UK vessels in response to military action in Yemen targeting Houthi missile and UAV sites.

US Central Command reported that it had destroyed two Houthi uncrewed surface vehicles (USV) in self defence on February 5 as the Houthis continue to target both military and commercial assets in the Red Sea.

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