U.S. Navy Rescues Crew Of Bulk Carrier Attacked By Houthis In The Red Sea

Sailors from the Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (IKECSG) successfully rescued the crew of the merchant vessel M/V Tutor, which had been attacked by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in the Red Sea on June 12.

The rescue mission, which took place on June 15, involved airlifting the crew to safety and providing medical treatment.

The M/V Tutor, a Liberian-flagged, Greek-owned bulk cargo carrier, was hit by an unmanned surface vessel (USV) launched by Houthi forces while operating in international waters in the Southern Red Sea.

The attack caused significant flooding and extensive damage to the engine room, leaving the vessel immobile.

After the incident occurred, one civilian mariner remained missing.

A helicopter from Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 74 carried 24 civilian seafarers from the damaged Tutor to the USS Philippine Sea (CG 58), a Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser.

Helicopters from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 7 then took the crew to the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69).

After obtaining medical attention on the Eisenhower, the mariners were transported ashore for additional treatment.

Rear Adm. Marc Miguez, commander of IKECSG and Carrier Strike Group 2, responded to the operation, stating it was humbling to see the Strike Group assist and rescue the crew of the M/V Tutor.

Miguez added that we are always willing to help; it is the right thing to do.

On Sunday, the US Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) confirmed the rescue mission, highlighting the region’s persistent threat from Houthi troops.

The attack on the Tutor happened near the Yemeni port of Hodeidah, and the ship was reported to be floating in the Red Sea after the crew was evacuated.

The Houthis have claimed responsibility for the strikes, claiming that these actions were taken in solidarity with the Palestinians.

The IKECSG is currently stationed in the United States Fifth Fleet area of operations and has been assigned to maintaining maritime security and stability in the Middle East.

Reference: DVIDS, BBC

U.S. Navy Rescues Crew Of Bulk Carrier Attacked By Houthis In The Red Sea appeared first on Marine Insight – The Maritime Industry Guide

Source: Maritime Shipping News