An oil tanker bound for China in the Red Sea was hit and temporarily disabled by an anti-ship ballistic missile fired by Houthi militants, US Central Command said.
A strike on Saturday on the Greek-owned M/T Wind caused flooding that damaged the propulsion system and steering, which the crew repaired without the help of a coalition vessel responding to a distress call. The ship “Veter”, which recently moored in Russia, resumed its course under its own power, Centcom reports. says the statement. No casualties were reported.
Although Centcom did not specify the location, AFP reported earlier Saturday that the oil tanker was hit near the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, about 10 nautical miles (19 kilometers) southwest of the Yemeni port of Moha. Agence France-Presse cited maritime security firm Ambrey.
The Iran-backed Houthis have been attacking warships and merchant ships passing through the Red Sea since mid-November, particularly those linked to Israel, the US and Britain, in retaliation for Israel’s war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. They effectively closed a key global shipping route, forcing ships traveling between Asia and Europe to avoid the Suez Canal and bypass southern Africa.
In addition, the UK Maritime Trade Authority previously reported a vessel with some damage 98 nautical miles south of Al Hudaydah in Yemen. The ship, known as the Master, suffered minor damage after being struck by an unknown object in the port quarter. The ship and its crew were safe and continued to their next port of call.
Shipping and cargo executives believe the Red Sea will remain too dangerous for many months, if not until the end of the year, putting some upward pressure on energy markets.