Yemeni Houthis attack more vessels in Red Sea

CAIRO – 15 December 2023: More vessels have been attacked by the Yemeni Houthis in the Red Sea, in response to the Israeli ongoing attacks on the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.

Yemeni Houthis’ Military Spokesman Yahai Saree announced that the Hong Kong-flagged container ship "Maersk Gibraltar,“ which was heading to the Israeli, was attacked by drones in the Red Sea on Thursday.

Also, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Organization (UKMTO) announced on Friday that it is investigating a report of an incident in the vicinity of the Bab El Mandeb, 30m southwest of Port Mokha, Yemen, noting that it issued a warning that vessels have been advised to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity to UKMTO.

“We have received a report from the Master stating an explosion onboard which resulted in a fire that has now been extinguished. The attack occurred in the vicinity of the Bab El Mandeb, 30m southwest of Port Mokha, Yemen. The crew and vessel are reported safe at present,” the UKTO said in brief statements.

“We have received a report from the Company Security Officer who believes the crew no longer has control of the vessel. The vessel is currently heading towards Somalia, approximately 680nm east of Bosaso, Somalia. At present all crew are reported as safe. Further updates to follow. Vessels are advised to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity to UKMTO,” it added. The organization said that a Somali privacy group is active in this area.