A Crude Oil Tanker Damaged in Missile Attack off Yemen Coast
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A crude oil tanker has been damaged in a missile attack off the coast of Yemen – the latest strike to be carried out by the Houthis.
The incident occurred approximately 15 nautical miles southwest of the Yemeni city of Mocha.
According to the UK Maritime Security Agency, the Panama-flagged ship was struck twice and sustained damage.
No injuries or fatalities have been reported, and an investigation into the incident is underway.
Missile Attack near the Crude Oil Tanker
The first missile attack caused a near-ship explosion, which was strongly felt by those on board. The second attack, suspected to involve two missiles, made direct contact.
Multiple Sightings of Missiles by Security Firm
Ambrey, a global risk management firm, claimed to have spotted three missiles in the vicinity of the incident.
Origin and Responsibility of the Attack
The ballistic missiles were reported to have been fired from Yemen’s southwestern Taiz governate. The Houthis have claimed responsibility for the attack. Yahya Sarea, the group’s military spokesman, stated in a televised speech that a “British” ship called the Andromeda Star was targeted, resulting in a “direct hit”.
Tanker Ownership and Trade Information
Ambrey informed that the attacked tanker, formerly owned by the UK, was transferred to a Seychelles-registered company in November 2023. At the time of the attack, the tanker was engaged in Russia-linked trade, voyaging from the Russian town of Primorsk to Vadinar in the Indian state of Gujarat.
Advisory for Ship Owners and Operators
Ambrey recommended that thorough affiliation checks be carried out by ship owners and operators before transiting the area, considering the Houthis’ tendency to associate vessels with outdated affiliations.
Series of Red Sea Attacks by the Rebels
Since November, the rebel group has been targeting ships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden that they claim are affiliated with Israel. The Houthis assert that their actions are in support of the Palestinians in Gaza. In response, the US and the UK have conducted a series of airstrikes against Houthi targets within Yemen, leading to retaliatory attacks by the rebels on vessels they believe to be linked to those countries.
Disruption to Global Seaborne Trade
The attacks by the rebels on merchant vessels in the Red Sea have prompted numerous shipping companies to refrain from using the waterway, which accounts for approximately 12% of global seaborne trade.
