United Kingdom Maritime Operations (UKMTO) reported on 28 October three explosions south of Al Mukha, Yemen in close proximity of a merchant vessel, days later after Liberia-flagged Olympic Spirit was attacked by missiles.
EOS Risk Group identified the vessel as the Liberia-flagged bulk carrier MOTARO, which has been targeted on several occasions during recent incidents as EOS noted. It was reported that MOTARO was under attack by a projectile or an explosive device while transiting the Red Sea.
UKMTO reported that the Master of the merchant vessel informed of an explosion in close proximity to the vessel which was followed by two more explosions. The vessel and all crew are reported as safe and authorities are investigating. Vessels are now advised to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity to UKMTO.
Furthermore, according to Reuters reports, Yemen’s Houthis stated on Monday that they carried out three operations targeting vessels in the Red Sea and Arabian Sea. The attacks included strikes on the MOTARO in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab Strait with ballistic missiles.
In addition, Yahya Sarea, the Houthi military spokesman, also said in a televised address, that the group targeted the Maersk Kowloon in the Arabian Sea with a missile and the SC Montreal in the Arabian Sea with two drones, Reuters reports.
