The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported on 18th June that Yemen’s Houthi militants are suspected of sinking a second vessel, the Tutor, in the Red Sea, Reuters highlights.
To remind, according to previous reports, the Greek-owned coal carrier Tutor was hit by missiles and an explosive-laden remote-controlled boat last Wednesday, causing it to take on water.
The Houthis stated that the Tutor coal carrier sustained significant damage and was at risk of sinking following their attack using an unmanned surface vessel, drones, and ballistic missiles.
Military authorities report maritime debris and oil sighted in the last reported location. The vessel is believed to have sunk.
..UKMTO stated.
As informed, the UKMTO’s report on the suspected sinking of the Tutor comes a week after the Houthis inflicted serious damage on a Liberia-flagged ship and the Palau-flagged Verbena, which was carrying wood construction materials.
Since November, the Iran-aligned Houthis have been targeting commercial ships in the Red Sea, claiming these attacks are in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.
These drone and missile attacks by the Houthis have led shipping companies to reroute vessels from the Suez Canal to the longer path around Africa, disrupting global trade by causing delays and increasing costs.
In November, the Houthis seized another vessel, the Galaxy Leader cargo ship. On 18th June, its manager reiterated calls for the Houthis to release the ship’s 25 crew members, who have been detained for seven months.
UKMTO WARNING
INCIDENT 083 – ATTACK – UPDATE 005https://t.co/fX3hWupi7g#MaritimeSecurity #MarSec pic.twitter.com/GfGflAgdZw— United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) (@UK_MTO) June 18, 2024
How industry stakeholders reacted
The shipping community is appalled and deeply saddened with the tragic news that, yet another seafarer seems certain to have been killed in a drone boat strike on Wednesday 12 June while on board the MV Tutor in the Red Sea.
We utterly condemn these assaults which directly contravene the fundamental principle of freedom of navigation. Our thoughts and condolences go to the family and loved ones of the seafarer who tragically lost their life. It is deplorable that innocent seafarers are being attacked while simply performing their jobs, vital jobs which keep the world warm, fed, and clothed.
… the statement said.
Concluding, the statement said that this is the second fatal attack in which our seafarers have been caught in the crosshairs of geopolitical conflicts. Three seafarers tragically lost their lives when the True Confidence was attacked earlier this year. And we must not forget the crew members from the Galaxy Leader and MSC Aries who are still being held captive. Furthermore, we strongly condemn the attack on the cargo ship Verbena on Thursday 13 June which left a seafarer severely injured by anti-ship cruise missiles. This is an unacceptable situation, and these attacks must stop now. We call for States with influence in the region to safeguard our innocent seafarers and for the swift de-escalation of the situation in the Red Sea. We have heard the condemnation and appreciate the words of support, but we urgently seek action to stop the unlawful attacks on these vital workers and this vital industry.
We hope that on this year’s Day of The Seafarer on Tuesday 25 June the world takes a moment to recognise the immense contribution that seafarers make to the global economy and the unjust circumstances they are facing in the Red Sea and across the world.
The full list of co-signatories to this statement is: Asian Shipowners’ Association (ASA), BIMCO , Cruise Lines international Association (CLIA), European Community Shipowners’ Association (ECSA), INTERMANAGER, International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners (INTERCARGO), International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH), International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), International Federation of Shipmasters’ Associations (IFSMA), International Maritime Employers’ Council (IMEC), International Maritime Pilots’ Association (IMPA), International Parcel Tankers Association (IPTA), The Federation of National Associations of Ship Brokers and Agents (FONASBA), World Shipping Council (WSC).
