The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has reported that Yemen’s Houthi rebels are believed to have sunk a second ship in the Red Sea.
The vessel, identified as the Greek-owned Tutor coal carrier, was hit by missiles and a sea drone on June 12, leading to significant water intake.
According to UKMTO, which serves as a liaison between military forces and merchant shipping, neither the Houthis nor the US military have confirmed the sinking of the Tutor.
John Kirby, White House national security spokesman, stated that the attack resulted in the death of a Filipino crew member.
Although the Philippines has not yet acknowledged the death, the individual has been missing for over a week. The remaining crew members abandoned the ship on Friday.
Military authorities have reported the presence of maritime debris and oil at the last known location of the Tutor.
This incident signifies a potential escalation in the Houthi campaign against shipping through the Red Sea, a vital maritime corridor. The Houthis claim these attacks are in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.
The attack on the Tutor coincides with increased maritime tensions, as the US Navy contends with frequent attacks on commercial vessels and warships.
Since November, the Houthis have launched over 50 attacks, resulting in the deaths of four sailors, the seizure of one vessel, and the sinking of another, according to the US Maritime Administration.
The US-led air strike campaign has targeted the Houthis since January, with significant casualties reported.
In March, the Belize-flagged Rubymar, carrying fertilizer, sank in the Red Sea after a prolonged rebel attack.
The Houthis claim their targets are ships linked to Israel, the US, and the UK, but many attacked vessels have no connection to the Israel-Gaza conflict.
Houthi assaults have forced shipping companies to reroute vessels from the Suez Canal to the longer route around Africa, disrupting global trade by delaying deliveries and increasing costs.
On Tuesday, the US military announced the destruction of eight Houthi drones in a rebel-controlled area of Yemen.
The US Central Command confirmed the successful destruction of one Houthi drone over the Gulf of Aden.
