Six Small Crafts Approach Merchant Vessel In The Red Sea Off Yemen

Six tiny crafts approached a merchant vessel in the Red Sea, roughly 50 nautical miles southeast of the Yemeni city of Mocha, according to a recent incident reported by the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). The UKMTO confirmed that no weapons were seen during the conflict, despite the tight circumstances, and coalition forces are offering support. The crew and the vessel were reported to be safe.

This incident is part of a string of increasing attacks in the Red Sea by Houthi rebels, who have escalated their attacks against commercial vessels in opposition to Israel’s actions in Gaza. Several shipping lines have halted operations as a result of the Houthis’ deliberate targeting in the region.

The Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden are essential centres for world maritime trade, and the current state of affairs has compelled ships to take longer routes around Africa.

A U.S. ship in the southern Red Sea is said to have shot down a drone that was launched from Yemen. The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) verified that the event happened close to multiple commercial vessels. The Houthis have declared their intention to continue these attacks until Israel withdraws its forces from Gaza and have threatened to launch strikes against American warships if the militia group become a target.

Since the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden handle more than 12% of all international traffic annually, shipping firms are concerned about the region’s ongoing instability. The international community is closely monitoring the situation even though steps are being taken to ensure the safety and security of maritime activities in the disrupted waterways.

Reference: Reuters

Six Small Crafts Approach Merchant Vessel In The Red Sea Off Yemen appeared first on Marine Insight – The Maritime Industry Guide

Source: Maritime Shipping News