A Marshall Islands-flagged bulk carrier off the coast of Yemen was attacked by three missiles, causing it to take on water. The ship, named Lahwas, sent out a distress call reporting damage to its cargo hold about 54 nautical miles southwest of Hodeidah. Greek shipping sources mentioned the ship was heading to a nearby port in the UAE to assess the extent of the damage, while the operator, Grehel Shipmanagement, did not immediately comment on the situation.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) also reported the incident, stating that the ship was hit by missiles and subsequently damaged. Despite the impact, the crew was reported safe and the ship was continuing to its next port of call. These attacks are believed to be carried out by the Iran-aligned Houthis in Yemen, who have been conducting similar drone and missile attacks in the Red Sea region since November in solidarity with the Palestinians, expanding their reach to the Indian Ocean.
The situation remains tense in the region as maritime security continues to be a concern. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely, and shipping companies are urged to take precautions to ensure the safety of their crews and vessels. The ongoing attacks serve as a reminder of the risks faced by ships traveling through these waters and the need for heightened security measures to protect against potential threats.
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