Commercial Ships Attacked With Naval Drones By Yemen Houthis In The Red Sea

Houthi rebels have reportedly targeted two commercial ships with naval drones in the Red Sea on Monday. According to reports, the crews of the vessel, identified as the MSC Clara and the Norwegian-owned Swan Atlantic, were targeted when they did not reply to calls from the Houthi group. After being hit by an unknown object, the Swan Atlantic water tank was damaged, but none of the crew members were harmed.

There are concerns that the Houthi attacks in recent weeks, which are purportedly in revenge for Israel’s military actions in Gaza, might block international commerce routes. The group’s advice to avoid sailing near the Red Sea resulted in higher insurance premiums and shipping companies’ decisions to reroute.

The London insurance market extended the Red Sea’s designated high-risk area in reaction to the attacks. Shipping companies, such as Frontline, located in Norway, and Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation, based in Taiwan, indicated they would be rerouting ships from the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea to take the longer route via the Cape of Good Hope.

According to U.S. officials, multiple missiles were shot from the Houthi-controlled area in the most recent attack on the Swan Atlantic. The ship, transporting vegetable oils, carried on toward Reunion Island despite the damage to the water tank.

A similar event involving an explosion on the port side of a vessel northwest of Yemen’s Mokha port was reported by the UK Maritime Trade Operations; the crew was said to be unharmed.

The Houthis have indicated they are open to discussing their maritime operations mediated by Oman. They have also promised to continue their attacks until Israel ends its military campaign. Norway’s foreign ministry is considering joining a planned maritime coalition led by the United States, and the country’s Shipowners’ Association has called for international efforts to ensure safe passage for civilian vessels.

Reference: Al Jazeera

Commercial Ships Attacked With Naval Drones By Yemen Houthis In The Red Sea appeared first on Marine Insight – The Maritime Industry Guide

Source: Maritime Shipping News