Three new attacks reported in the southern Red Sea

The UK Maritime Trade Office (UKMTO) has reported three new attacks in the southern Red Sea, two of which occurred on Monday. One of the vessels reported minor damage.

The first incident occurred 70 nautical miles southwest of Al Hudaydah, Yemen, at around 05:30 UTC. According to the captain of a merchant vessel, the ship was attacked by three small boats, described as blue and white. Two of the small boats had three people on board each, while the third small boat was unmanned and collided with the ship twice. The two manned small boats fired at the ship, but after 15 minutes, the ship’s “self-protection measures” forced the attackers to abandon their attack. The crew and ship are reportedly safe and continuing on to their next port of call.

Later, at 0801 UTC, the same captain reported a missile explosion nearby. At 0845 UTC, two more missiles exploded in close proximity to the ship. Despite the threats, no damage was reported and the crew remains safe.

The second incident was reported 97 nautical miles northwest of Al Hudaydah, Yemen. An update said the ship was attacked by an unmanned surface vessel (USV), which impacted the port side, causing damage and light smoke. The ship and crew are reportedly safe and proceeding to the next port of call. Authorities are investigating the attack.

These incidents are the 99th and 100th incidents reported by UKMTO in the region this year.

In another incident just reported, the UKMTO said it had received a report of an incident that occurred on 11 July approximately 15 NM south-west of Al Mukha, Yemen. The captain reported two explosions approximately one hour apart in close proximity to the vessel. The vessel and crew were safe.

The attacks follow a promise by the Iran-backed Houthis to continue their campaign in solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, even though President Biden announced on Friday that Israel and Hamas had agreed on a framework for a ceasefire.

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