The British Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that a commercial vessel was struck by three unidentified shells 77 miles west of the Yemeni port of Hodeidah on the Red Sea.
The incident, which involved light arms fire, occurred after two small boats, carrying between 3 to 15 individuals collectively, approached the vessel aggressively, leading to a brief exchange of gunfire.
At approximately 2:57 GMT, the vessel’s captain first reported the dangerous encounter.
The situation escalated by 5:00 GMT when the ship was hit by two shells followed by a third, resulting in the crew losing control of the ship. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in this high-seas confrontation.
The UKMTO has urged vessels in the region to navigate with caution and to report any suspicious activities.
This advice comes amid escalating tensions in the area, linked to broader regional conflicts. The British military also confirmed the repeated attacks on the commercial vessel, highlighting the ongoing risk in the Red Sea.
In a broader context, these maritime incidents occur against a backdrop of the Houthi group’s support for Gaza, which is currently facing a devastating Israeli offensive backed by the US.
The Houthis have targeted Israeli or Israeli-affiliated shipping throughout the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Indian Ocean, and up to the Mediterranean since the beginning of the year.
This recent assault aligns with a pattern of increased maritime attacks, which have been part of a larger series of strikes claimed by a Washington-led coalition to be against Houthi positions in Yemen, retaliating for their attacks in the Red Sea area.
