Offshore attack by gunmen on vessels in Red Sea near Yemen: Observers report incident on maritime vessel
In a concerning development, a commercial vessel named MAGIC SEAS, a Liberian-flagged bulk carrier carrying fertilizer, has been attacked off the Yemeni port of Hodeidah. The vessel, with a crew of 23 aboard, is currently immobilized, on fire, and adrift in Red Sea waters, following an assault that took place on July 6.
According to reports, the incident occurred approximately 51 nautical miles southwest of Hodeidah, a region controlled by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels. The attack was carried out by a group of armed skiffs, armed with rocket-propelled grenades, small arms, and explosive-laden boats, including drone boats.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), which is run by Britain's Royal Navy, has been monitoring the situation. UKMTO previously reported that the ship was attacked by several skiffs and later confirmed a fire on board after the ship was hit by unknown projectiles.
The crew of the MAGIC SEAS abandoned ship as it began taking on water following the assault. Fortunately, no crew members were reported injured. The security officer on board reported that all crew members have abandoned ship.
Although no one has claimed responsibility for the assault, the vessel matches "the established Houthi target profile," as reported by UK-based security firm Ambrey. The firm also reported that the merchant ship was struck by two naval drones, causing damage to the vessel's cargo.
The armed security team on board returned fire during the initial phases of the attack. Two explosive boats successfully struck the ship, detonating on impact, while two others exploded before reaching the vessel. Two other unmanned vessels were repelled during the attack, according to Ambrey.
Authorities are currently investigating the incident, but detailed findings have not yet been released. The US military's Central Command has acknowledged being aware of the incident but has provided no further elaboration. The attack is viewed as a possible major escalation amid sensitive geopolitical tensions involving the Middle East and ongoing conflicts in the region.
The incident took place in a vital shipping lane, raising concerns about the safety of navigation in the area. The UKMTO has issued navigational warnings urging vessels to exercise extreme caution in the area and to report any suspicious activity immediately.
The crew is awaiting assistance after abandoning the ship. The situation remains ongoing, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
- The attack on the MAGIC SEAS, a commercial vessel carrying fertilizer off the Yemeni port of Hodeidah, has raised concerns in the realm of general news and politics, as it follows a series of war-and-conflicts-related incidents in the region.
- The recent assault on the MAGIC SEAS, a ship currently immobilized, on fire, and adrift in Red Sea waters, has also highlighted the significance of crime-and-justice implications, as the incident occurred in a vital shipping lane, potentially endangering the safety of navigation and posing a potential major escalation in ongoing conflicts.
