SANAA, Yemen – Houthi rebels in Yemen are suspected of attacking and causing damage to a merchant ship in the Strait of Bab el-Mandeb on Sunday, with the crew forced to abandon ship. The UK Maritime Trade Organization (UKMTO) reported the incident, although it did not explicitly link it to the Houthi group, which has been targeting shipping in the area for several months.
The initial report received by UKMTO indicated that the incident occurred 35 nautical miles south of Al Mukha, Yemen, around 2000 hours UTC on Sunday. The vessel’s master reported an explosion near the ship, causing damage, but fortunately, the crew escaped unharmed.
In an update released in the early hours of Monday morning, UKMTO stated that the crew had abandoned ship, with undisclosed military responders on the scene providing assistance.
While the Houthi representatives have not acknowledged responsibility for the attack on the vessel, spokesman Yahya Saree mentioned the group would provide an update on the situation on Monday morning.
In recent weeks, the Houthi rebels have been launching missile and drone attacks on merchant shipping in the Red Sea amid Israel’s operation against Hamas in Gaza. Despite the attacks, no seafarers have been reported injured, partially due to the increased maritime security campaign led by the United States in the Red Sea.
Since the U.S. Navy’s intensified presence in the region, they have successfully intercepted countless inbound Houthi munitions and prevented hijackings. The Navy’s efforts have been crucial in ensuring the safety of merchant shipping in the area despite the ongoing threats posed by the Houthi rebels.