According to Reuters, two ships caught fire after being struck by projectiles off the coast of Yemen near Aden, as reported by UK maritime agencies on 9th June.
In particular, the British security firm Ambrey disclosed that an Antigua- and Barbuda-flagged general cargo ship was hit by a missile 83 nautical miles southeast of Aden, resulting in a fire which was later brought under control.
Earlier, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported receiving information from a vessel captain about an incident 80 nautical miles southeast of Aden.
The ship was traveling southwest along the Gulf of Aden at 8.2 knots when it was hit by a missile at the forward station, igniting a fire that was subsequently extinguished.
…Ambrey noted in an advisory.
In a separate incident, UKMTO received a report from another vessel’s master about an incident 70 nautical miles southwest of Aden.
The master reported that an unknown projectile struck the vessel’s aft section, causing a fire. Damage control efforts are ongoing.
…UKMTO said in an advisory note.
There were no reported casualties, and the vessel continued towards its next port of call.
The Houthi militia, controlling the most populous regions of Yemen and aligned with Iran, has been attacking ships off its coast for several months. They claim these actions are in solidarity with Palestinians fighting Israel in Gaza.
Houthi fighters have targeted the Bab al-Mandab Strait and Gulf of Aden with drone and missile strikes, compelling shippers since November to take longer, more expensive routes around southern Africa.
UKMTO WARNING INCIDENT 081 ATTACK UPDATE 001https://t.co/6mNrG6WD8m#MaritimeSecurity #MarSec pic.twitter.com/qDbhpFd1og
— United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) (@UK_MTO) June 9, 2024
