Oil Tanker Hit By Houthi-launched Drone In Red Sea Assesses Potential Oil Spill

A Liberian-flagged oil tanker, the Chios Lion, is analyzing potential damage and examining a suspected oil spill following an attack by Yemen’s Houthi rebels in the Red Sea, according to the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC) on July 16, 2024.

During a series of Houthi attacks on July 15, 2024, an unmanned watercraft inflicted minor damage on the port side of Chios Lion and another ship approximately 100 nautical miles northwest of Yemen’s port city of Hodeidah.

JMIC reported that the vessel, initially headed south, turned back north out of the threat area to examine the damage and investigate any potential oil spillage.

Fortunately, the captain and crew of the vessel were safe.

The manager of Chios Lion has not yet responded to requests for comment.

Yemen’s Houthi military spokesperson, Yahya Saree, claimed responsibility for the attacks on the Chios Lion and the Bentley I, an oil tanker, involving ballistic missiles, drones, and booby-trapped boats.

The attacks were claimed to be retaliation for the Israeli airstrike on the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis on Saturday, which killed at least 90 Palestinians and injured 300, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.

Since November, Houthi attacks have disrupted global trade, forcing shipowners to reroute vessels away from the Suez Canal and toward the more time-consuming and expensive route around Africa.

These attacks also pose significant environmental risks, including the possibility of oil spills and other hazardous cargo leakage.

Houthis published video of hitting the crude oil tanker Chios Lion in the Red Sea with a USV, July 15, 2024. pic.twitter.com/u3fiAWACTI

— Mehdi H. (@mhmiranusa) July 16, 2024

Video Credits: Mehdi H./X

In addition to striking Chios Lion and Bentley I, the Houthis claimed to have attacked the Olvia in the Mediterranean Sea in coordination with the Iraqi Islamic Resistance.

However, Reuters was unable to verify the claim independently.

The Bentley I, Chios Lion, and Olvia managers were not immediately available for comment.

Earlier on Monday, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported two vessels being targeted in the Red Sea near Hodeidah.

An unmanned drone boat damaged one ship and emitted light smoke, while three small watercraft attacked another, including one unmanned boat that collided with the ship twice.

The vessel’s self-defense measures prompted the small boat to abandon its attack after 15 minutes.

Both the vessel and the crew were reported safe, and they proceeded to their next port of call.

Yemen’s Houthi militants have increased drone and missile strikes in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden shipping routes since November, claiming solidarity with Palestinians affected by Israel’s war in Gaza.

U.S. and British forces have carried out retaliatory strikes in Yemen.

According to a report from the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency, Houthi strikes have impacted at least 65 countries, as well as crucial oil and shipping companies.

Reference: Reuters

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Source: Maritime Shipping News