ALBAWABA- The United Kingdom’s Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has reported that a vessel was hit by an "unknown projectile" approximately 70 nautical miles (130 km) southwest of Yemen’s Hodeida.
The incident damaged the ship, though no fire or injuries were reported. Following the initial strike, two additional projectiles detonated near the same vessel, according to the UKMTO.
The ship, which was sailing in the Red Sea off the East African coast, was struck while navigating away from Hodeida, a port controlled by the Houthi rebels, who have launched multiple attacks from the area.
Although the Houthis have yet to comment, they will likely claim responsibility, as they have frequently targeted vessels since the Gaza conflict began in October, 2023.
On October 1, Houthis targeted two UK-bound vessels near Yemen’s Red Sea port of Hodeidah, causing significant damage with missile strikes and a sea drone.
Maritime security agencies and sources in the area reported the incidents, with video footage released by the Houthis documenting a drone boat striking one of the vessels, leading to a massive explosion and fire onboard.
The Panama-flagged tanker M/T Cordelia Moon was hit by an Uncrewed Surface Vessel (USV) 64 nautical miles northwest of Hodeidah.
The attack damaged the vessel’s port side tank, though the crew remained safe, and the tanker proceeded to its next port. Before the hit, the vessel reported spotting four missile attempts landing in the water nearby.
A second vessel, a Liberia-flagged bulker, was also damaged by a missile strike about 97 nautical miles northwest of Hodeidah, while en route to the Suez Canal. Both vessels’ crews were confirmed safe.
The Houthis have attacked over 80 merchant ships using missiles and drones, seizing one and sinking two.
These maritime assaults have led to the deaths of four sailors, while other strikes have been intercepted by a US-led coalition in the Red Sea.
Targets have included not only commercial vessels but also American and British military ships.
