Two vessels hit in renewal of Red Sea attacks

Two merchant ships have sustained damage from missile and drone attacks in the Red Sea, according to warnings issued by UKMTO.

In the first incident, a ship initially reported four splashes in close proximity to the vessel at 0140 hrs, followed by a hit from an Uncrewed Surface Vessel at 0500 hrs. The master reported that the ship’s number six port ballast tank was punctured, and that the ship was proceeding to its next port of call.

The attack took place 64 nm northwest of Al Hudaydah, Yemen.

The second incident, 97 nm northwest of Al Hudaydah, reportedly occurred at 0415 hrs. The master said the vessel was bit by a missile and sustained damage, with all crew reported safe.

The attacks follow two weeks of relative calm for merchant vessels in the region, although the Houthis claimed responsibility for what the US Pentagon described as a “complex attack” on American warships in the region. 

The Houthis claim to have scored hits with some of the over 20 ballistic missiles, drone, and cruise missiles launched at three US Navy ships, while the US military said it had suffered no hits after engaging and shooting down the threats.

A potential environmental disaster in the Red Sea was avoided last month as the tanker Sounion was towed to safety under escort by EUNAVFOR vessels. The tanker was left ablaze and adrift after attacks by the Houthis, leading to fears it would spill its cargo of 150,000 tonnes of oil.

Related:Fire damaged tanker Sounion towed to safe area