Crude Oil Tanker Suffers Damage from Houthi Missile Strike Off Yemen’s Mocha

A Panama-flagged crude oil tanker was hit by a Houthi Missile Strike 15 nautical miles southwest of Yemen’s Mocha.

United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations Security Agency reported that the tanker was hit twice and was damaged.

In the first attack, there was an explosion near the vessel felt by the crew members, and the second attack involved two missiles which hit the tanker and caused damage.

Investigations have begun, though fortunately, no injuries or deaths were reported.

Ambrey, a Global Risk Management Firm, mentioned that three missiles were seen and were fired from Yemen’s Taiz governorate.

Houthis claimed responsibility for the attack in a televised speech on Saturday where the group’s military spokesman, Yahya Sarea, said that a British vessel called Andromeda Star was targeted, resulting in a direct hit.

The U.S Central Command confirmed that Andromeda Star suffered minor damage and continued on its voyage.

Ambrey also mentioned that the tanker was owned by the U.K. until 2023.

Its present owner is registered in Seychelles and was engaged in Russia-connected maritime trade, where the vessel travelled from Russia’s Primorsk to Vadinar, in India’s Gujrat state, when the attack occurred.

Houthis have attacked ships connected to Israel in the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea since November. They claim to stand with Palestinians and want Israel to stop bombing the Gaza Strip.

The U.S and U.K have also carried out many attacks against Houthis in Yemen.

Houthi Attacks on Ships crossing the Red Sea have prompted many shipping companies to reroute their ships from Africa, which increases shipping times and costs.

References: Barrons, BBC

Crude Oil Tanker Suffers Damage from Houthi Missile Strike Off Yemen’s Mocha appeared first on Marine Insight – The Maritime Industry Guide

Source: Maritime Shipping News