Blood Red Sea: First casualties due to Houthi attacks

The incident 

According to the U.S. Central Command, at approximately 11:30 a.m. (Sanaa time) March 6, an anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM) was launched from Iranian-backed Houthi terrorist-controlled areas of Yemen toward M/V True Confidence, a Barbados-flagged, Liberian-owned bulk carrier, while transiting the Gulf of Aden.

Houthis Kill Innocent Civilians with Missile Attack

At approximately 11:30 a.m. (Sanaa time) Mar. 6, an anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM) was launched from Iranian-backed Houthi terrorist-controlled areas of Yemen toward M/V True Confidence, a Barbados-flagged, Liberian-owned… pic.twitter.com/W1H0GP4Y6i

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 6, 2024

The missile struck the vessel, and the multinational crew reports three fatalities, at least four injuries, of which three are in critical condition, and significant damage to the ship. The crew abandoned the ship and forces in the area responded. According to the Indian Navy, the crew were subsequently evacuated to Djibouti,

#IndianNavy‘s swift response to Maritime Incident in #GulfofAden.

Barbados Flagged Bulk Carrier MV #TrueConfidence reported on fire after a drone/missile hit on #06Mar, approx 54 nm South West of Aden, resulting in critical injuries to crew, forcing them to abandon ship.… pic.twitter.com/FZQRBeGcKp

— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) March 7, 2024

According to BBC, the vessel had a crew of 20, comprising one Indian, four Vietnamese and 15 Filipino nationals. Three armed guards – two from Sri Lanka and one from Nepal – were also on board.

The prospect of coalition forces retaliating against the Houthis and their potential Iranian backers raises further risks for shipping in the region. Furthermore, the Red Sea’s risk assessment has fundamentally changed, with the escalation in violence posing a significant threat to global supply chains and maritime security.

Major organizations express condolences and concern 

Following the news, the IMO Secretary-General issued a statement conveying condolences and renewing the call for collective action to protect seafarers.

Once again call for collective action to fortify the safety of those who serve at sea. International trade depends on international shipping  and international shipping cannot go on without seafarers.

… said Arsenio Dominguez

Industry associations BIMCO, ICS, CLIA, IMCA, INTERCARGO, INTERTANKO, INTERMANAGER, ECSA, and OCIMF also expressed their deep concern over the tragic loss of life and injuries suffered by the crew.

The loss of life and injuries to civilian seafarers is completely unacceptable. Merchant vessels crewed by civilian seafarers transporting global trade have a right to innocent passage through the region without the threat of attack. The frequency of attacks on merchant shipping highlights the urgent need for all stakeholders to take decisive action to safeguard the lives of innocent civilian seafarers and put an end to such threats. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to all those affected by this terrible event.

… said the Organizations

Threats and continuous attacks 

The incident follows the first sinking caused by Houthis, of the UK-owned bulk carrier Rubymar in a Houthi attack. To remind, Yemen’s Houthi leader, Abdul Malik al-Houthi, announced in a televised speech last week that the group plans to introduce military “surprises” in their Red Sea attacks.

There will be no halt to any operations that help Palestinian people except when the Israeli aggression on Gaza and the siege stop

… Houthis’ spokesman Mohammed Abdulsalam had told Reuters