Second ship attacked by grenades as Red Sea crisis
Escalating Attacks on Merchant Ships in Red Sea
In a troubling escalation of maritime violence, a second merchant vessel has been attacked in the Red Sea, with assailants firing five rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) from small boats. The incident, which occurred on Monday, left two crew members injured and two others missing. The attack took place approximately 49 nautical miles southwest of Yemen’s Hodeidah port, according to the British maritime security firm Ambrey.
Details of the Attack
The Liberia-flagged bulk carrier was reportedly en route to the Suez Canal when it came under fire from armed men in small boats, as well as bomb-carrying drones. Ambrey noted that the vessel’s engines were disabled during the assault, causing it to drift. Security personnel aboard the ship responded by returning fire, but the situation remains dire, with two crew members unaccounted for.
This attack follows a similar incident involving the Liberian-flagged bulk carrier Magic Seas, which was reportedly struck by sea drones on Sunday. The Magic Seas caught fire and began to sink, prompting the crew to abandon ship. They were subsequently rescued by a passing vessel. The Iran-aligned Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for the attack on the Magic Seas, asserting that they used gunfire, rockets, and explosive-laden remote-controlled boats.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) confirmed the recent ambush, advising vessels in the area to exercise extreme caution. They highlighted the dangers posed by abandoned and unlit vessels drifting in the southern Red Sea. The UKMTO’s warning comes amid heightened tensions in the region, exacerbated by the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict and recent Israeli airstrikes targeting Houthi positions.
Implications for Maritime Security
The recent spate of attacks raises significant concerns about maritime security in the Red Sea, a crucial shipping route. The UKMTO’s advisory underscores the potential for increased risks to commercial shipping in the area, particularly as the situation remains volatile. Analysts fear that these incidents could provoke a broader military response from the United States and its allies, reminiscent of past engagements in the region.
As tensions continue to rise, the international community is closely monitoring the situation. The attacks not only threaten the safety of maritime operations but also have the potential to disrupt global trade routes. The implications of these events could reverberate beyond the immediate region, affecting shipping costs and security protocols worldwide.
With the situation evolving, stakeholders in maritime trade are urged to remain vigilant and prepared for further developments in this increasingly dangerous environment.
