Crew Abandons Ship in Red Sea After Houthi Missile Strikes: First Evacuation in Response to Targeted Attacks
In a concerning turn of events, the crew of a commercial ship in the Red Sea was forced to abandon their vessel after a Houthi attack. This marks the first evacuation of its kind since the militant group began targeting trade in the vital waterway late last year. The Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, have been escalating their attacks on the merchant fleet off the coast of Yemen, using missiles and drone strikes. Their primary targets are ships with links to Israel, the United States, and the United Kingdom, which they see as a response to the ongoing conflict in Gaza and Western airstrikes.
The incident occurred on Sunday evening local time when two anti-ship ballistic missiles struck the Belize-flagged Rubymar. The United States Central Command confirmed the damage on social media platform X, stating that a coalition warship and another merchant ship responded to the distress call. The crew of the Rubymar was safely transported to a nearby port. It is worth noting that the Rubymar is a relatively small cargo ship, and its registered owner is based in Southampton, England, according to the Equasis international maritime database.
A Houthi spokesman claimed that an attack on an unidentified British ship resulted in its “complete sinking,” but this claim could not be independently verified. The Central Command did not mention whether the Rubymar had sunk in their statement, and the vessel’s owner did not respond to requests for comment. The UK Maritime Trade Operations also had no further updates on the incident.
Fortunately, there were no reports of injuries to the crew of the Rubymar, who were being taken to Djibouti, according to a company official at GMZ Ship Management Co. in Lebanon. The attacks on the vessel targeted its engine room and the front of the ship.
The Red Sea is a crucial waterway, with approximately 12% of global trade and up to 30% of container traffic passing through the Suez Canal, located at the other end of the Red Sea, each year. However, due to the escalating attacks by the Houthis, a significant percentage of oil and gas carriers, bulk commodity ships, and container vessels are now taking longer routes around Africa to avoid the danger zone. This diversion significantly increases voyage times and adds to the costs of world shipping.
In another alarming incident on Monday, a Greece-flagged bulk commodity carrier reported two nearby explosions, accompanied by evidence of shrapnel and damage to paintwork. Despite the damage, the ship continued its journey to its next port of call. The Houthis claimed responsibility for targeting two other vessels as well, but specific details could not be immediately verified.
In response to the escalating attacks, the European Union launched a defensive naval operation on Monday. The mission, commanded by Greece, aims to protect commercial vessels from Houthi attacks. It will accompany ships and provide protection against attacks from the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden to the Persian Gulf.
Over the weekend, the United States conducted five self-defense strikes against the Houthis, including one targeting an underwater vessel. This marked the first observed deployment of subsea attack capability since the attacks began.
The situation in the Red Sea remains tense as Houthi attacks on commercial ships continue to disrupt global trade and pose a threat to maritime security. The international community is taking steps to protect vessels and ensure safe passage through this vital waterway. As tensions escalate, it is crucial for all parties involved to find a peaceful resolution to avoid further disruptions and potential humanitarian crises in the region.