Ship Catches Fire After Projectile Strike Off Yemen Coast

A ship caught fire on Saturday in the Gulf of Aden, approximately 210 kilometers (130 miles) east of Aden, after being struck by a projectile, according to the British military. Reports indicate that the crew was preparing to abandon the vessel as a search-and-rescue operation commenced. This incident occurs amid ongoing tensions in the region, with Yemen’s Houthi rebels previously attacking vessels in the Red Sea corridor.

The incident was reported by the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), which issued an alert concerning the vessel. “A vessel has been hit by an unknown projectile, resulting in a fire,” the UKMTO stated, adding that authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the attack.

The maritime security firm Ambrey identified the ship as a Cameroon-flagged tanker, reportedly en route from Sohar, Oman, to Djibouti. Preliminary radio communications suggested that the crew was preparing to evacuate the ship, prompting the activation of search-and-rescue efforts.

Details regarding the vessel align with information about the Falcon, a tanker known to transport liquefied petroleum gas. The Falcon has previously been linked to operations within an Iranian “ghost fleet,” as identified by the pressure group United Against Nuclear Iran. This fleet reportedly maneuvers oil products on the high seas despite facing international sanctions. Efforts to contact the ship’s owners and operators, registered in India, were unsuccessful.

The Houthi rebels have gained notable attention during the ongoing conflict in the region, particularly following their attacks on shipping activity, which they claim are intended to pressure Israel to cease its military actions. Since a ceasefire began on October 10, 2023, the group has not publicly claimed any attacks.

The Houthi campaign against maritime targets has resulted in the deaths of at least nine sailors and the sinking of four vessels. This surge in violence has significantly disrupted shipping activities in the Red Sea, a critical passage for approximately $1 trillion worth of goods annually. The most recent known attack attributed to the Houthis took place on September 29, 2023, when the Dutch-flagged cargo ship Minervagracht was struck, resulting in one death and one injury among the crew.

In addition to these maritime threats, the Houthis have increasingly targeted Saudi Arabia and taken numerous workers from United Nations agencies and other aid organizations hostage, alleging, without evidence, that they are spies. This claim has been firmly denied by the UN and various humanitarian organizations.

As investigations continue into the latest incident, maritime security remains a pressing concern in the region, with the potential for further escalation.