Incident Details
A Panama-flagged crude oil tanker was reportedly attacked about 10 nautical miles southwest of Mokha, Yemen. The vessel was hit by a missile, resulting in a fire at the ship’s rear.
Location and Impact
The incident occurred near the coast of Mokha, southwest Yemen, across the Bab Al-Mandeb strait. The tanker sustained damage but received assistance, with one steering unit reportedly functional.
Response and Safety
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) confirmed that the vessel and crew are safe and continuing to their next port of call. The British navy reported slight damage to the vessel after being struck by an unknown object.
Houthi Rebels’ Actions
Since November, Houthi rebels in Yemen, supported by Iran, have targeted multiple ships in the Red Sea region. They claim these attacks are in solidarity with the Palestinian people in Gaza.
International Alliance
In response to these incidents, the US and British military have conducted retaliatory strikes and formed an international alliance to protect vital trade routes in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
