A merchant ship sailing in the Red Sea near Yemen fell victim to a drone attack early Sunday morning, as reported by the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). Fortunately, no injuries were sustained during the incident.
According to the UKMTO, the ship’s master reported that an uncrewed aerial system (UAS) struck the vessel, causing damage. Despite the impact, all crew members are safe, and the ship is continuing its journey to the next port of call.
This incident highlights the ongoing security challenges faced by vessels in the Red Sea. For months, Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have targeted ships in the region. The attack occurred approximately 65 nautical miles (120 kilometers) west of the Yemeni port city of Hodeida.
The Houthi rebels claim to be acting in support of Palestinians during the Israel-Hamas conflict in the Gaza Strip. Their use of drones and missiles has raised concerns for maritime safety and security. Authorities are currently investigating the incident, although no specific attribution has been provided for the attack.
In response to previous attacks, the US Central Command has taken action against the Houthi group. Over the past 24 hours, they destroyed three nautical drones belonging to the rebels. Additionally, the group launched three anti-ship missiles into the Gulf of Aden, resulting in no injuries or significant damage.
As tensions persist in the region, merchant vessels continue to navigate these troubled waters, relying on vigilance and international cooperation to safeguard their crews and cargo123.
