Cargo Ship Abandoned After Houthi Missile Attack in Yemen’s Gulf of Aden
A British-registered cargo vessel, the Rubymar, has been abandoned by its crew after being hit by missiles fired by the Houthi movement in Yemen. The ship was in the Gulf of Aden and nearing the Bab al-Mandab Strait when it was struck. Security firms have reported that the ship suffered “catastrophic damage” and is at risk of sinking. This attack is one of the most damaging yet carried out by the Iran-backed Houthis, highlighting the failure of Western efforts to deter them.
The Houthis have been launching missiles and drones at merchant vessels and Western warships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden since mid-November. They claim that these attacks are in support of the Palestinians in the war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. As a result, many shipping companies have stopped using this critical waterway, which accounts for about 12% of global seaborne trade.
In response to these attacks, US and British forces have carried out air strikes on military targets across Houthi-controlled western Yemen. However, these strikes have failed to slow down the Houthi attacks on ships. The situation in the Red Sea has become increasingly volatile, with tensions rising and concerns growing about the safety of commercial shipping.
On Sunday night, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency received a report of an incident involving the Rubymar. The ship’s master reported an explosion in close proximity to the vessel, resulting in damage. The crew later abandoned the ship following the attack. Fortunately, there were no casualties reported.
The Rubymar’s security firm, LSS Sapu, and data provider Lloyd’s List Intelligence confirmed that the ship had sustained damage after being hit by two missiles. The ship was taking in water, and there is nobody on board now. The owners and managers are considering options for towage.
The Rubymar had been traveling from Saudi Arabia to Bulgaria, according to data from MarineTraffic. It is flagged in Belize, operated by a company from Lebanon, and registered to Golden Adventure Shipping in the British port of Southampton. The UK government has condemned the attack and stated that nearby coalition vessels are already on the scene to provide assistance. The UK and its allies reserve the right to respond appropriately to any attacks on commercial shipping.
In addition to the attack on the Rubymar, another cargo ship, the Sea Champion, was attacked in the Gulf of Aden. The ship was transporting grain from Argentina to Aden when it was targeted. The Houthis claimed responsibility for targeting two American ships as well, the Sea Champion and the Navis Fortuna. They also announced that their air defenses had shot down a US MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).
The discovery that the Houthis are deploying both unmanned surface vessels (USVs) and unmanned underwater vessels (UUVs) is a concerning development. This tactic of launching a swarm attack, using multiple cheap missiles and drones simultaneously to overwhelm defenses, is reminiscent of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards. As Houthi attacks on shipping continue, there is an ever-present threat of such an attack being directed at a US or British warship in the region.
In response to the escalating situation in the Red Sea, EU foreign ministers have approved a mission to help protect international shipping. The mission will involve four ships from France, Germany, Italy, and Belgium and aims to be up and running in a few weeks.
The attacks on cargo ships in the Gulf of Aden have raised serious concerns about the safety of commercial shipping in the region. As tensions continue to rise, it is crucial for international efforts to deter further attacks and protect maritime trade routes. The situation in the Red Sea remains volatile, and the threat of future attacks on ships is a constant concern for those serving in the area.