Image:Fleet Mon
In a harrowing incident off Yemen’s coast, a tanker in the Red Sea fell victim to an attack by gunmen in a speedboat, accompanied by missile strikes, according to maritime sources. The assailants, allegedly linked to Yemeni Houthi forces, targeted the vessel, raising concerns about the safety of the crucial shipping lane, especially after warnings to ships not to travel to Israel.
The Maritime Security firm Ambrey reported that a second commercial vessel in the vicinity also faced an approach by the speedboat but fortunately escaped an attack. Simultaneously, a U.S. Navy destroyer, the Mason, reportedly shot down a Houthi drone launched from Yemen, responding to reports of the attack on a commercial vessel.
The attacked vessel, identified as the Marshall Islands-flagged chemical tanker Ardmore Encounter, managed to withstand the assault. Ardmore Shipping Corp, the owner and operator, assured that all crew members are safe, and the ship sustained no damage or loss of cargo. The company confirmed receiving military assistance during the attack, highlighting the gravity of the situation.
The Houthi group,has been actively involved in supporting Hamas during the Gaza conflict, posing a threat to shipping in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a vital passage at the southern entrance to the Red Sea. Notably, there has been an escalating pattern of attacks on ships perceived to have connections with Israeli interests or nationals.
Jakob Larsen,Head of Safety and Security at shipping association BIMCO, Deep concern has been expressed over the safety implications of these attacks. “Houthis continue to attack international shipping focusing on ships which, in their opinion, have a link to Israeli interests or nationals. The safety implications to international shipping are considerable and very concerning,” Larsen remarked.
Despite the severity of the situation, no claim of responsibility has been made for these recent incidents. Calls on the international community to safeguard global shipping lanes, emphasizing the need for collective action in the face of escalating maritime threats.
Ambrey provided a detailed account of the Ardmore Encounter’s ordeal, noting an “exchange of fire” with the speedboat and the tanker being targeted by three missiles. The private armed security team aboard the vessel successfully repelled the attack, demonstrating the critical role of security measures in ensuring the safety of maritime operations.
As tensions escalate, Coalition Task Force (CTF) Sentinel, representing the International Maritime Security Construct (IMSC), is actively operating in the area, involving navies from the U.S., Britain, and others to provide reassurance to commercial shipping.
The maritime community remains on high alert as these incidents underscore the challenges faced by vessels navigating through volatile regions. The need for enhanced security measures and international collaboration to counter such threats has become more apparent than ever.
Source:Reuters
Note: This article is based on information available as of December 13, 2023, and the situation may evolve.
