Tanker Adrift In Red Sea After Multiple Attacks

A Greek-flagged tanker was abandoned in the Red Sea on Wednesday after multiple attacks sparked a fire and it lost power, the British maritime agency said.

The Greek Ministry of Transport and the UK Maritime Trade Operations Office (UKMTO) reported that the vessel was first attacked by two small boats. On Wednesday morning, it was hit by multiple projectiles about 77 nautical miles (142 kilometers) west of the Yemeni port city of Hodeidah.

UKMTO said there was a brief exchange of small arms fire during the incident. In a later update, they added that the vessel reported another attack. This sparked a fire and caused the vessel to lose engine power and maneuverability.

There were no reports of injuries to the 25 crew members, 25 of whom are Russian and the rest Filipino. A maritime source told Reuters that the ship was expected to be able to sail “on its own terms.”

Delta Tankers, the ship’s operating company, confirmed that the vessel was adrift and had sustained minor damage. In a statement, she added that the crew was assessing the situation and would continue its journey.

Late Wednesday, another ship reported two explosions in waters about 57 nautical miles (105 kilometers) south of Aden, UKMTO and Ambrey reported.

Ambrey added that the first strike occurred 48 nautical miles southeast of Aden. The second occurred 23 nautical miles after the ship sailed west.

UKMTO said in an updated advisory that the ship’s captain reported a third explosion nearby. But it caused no damage and kept the crew safe. The ship was heading to its next port of call.

Since November, Iran-aligned Houthi rebels have launched a series of attacks. It was on international ships near Yemen in solidarity with Palestinians in the war between Israel and Hamas.

The Houthis did not immediately claim responsibility for Wednesday’s attack.

The attacks on ships have prompted the United States and Britain to retaliate against Houthi areas. Disrupted global trade as ship owners divert ships from the Red Sea and the Suez Canal to longer routes around the southern tip of Africa.