Greek Bulker Under Attack by Houthis: Seafarer Killed, Salvage Operation Underway

A Greek bulker was targeted in a combined sea drone and missile attack by the Houthis on Wednesday, resulting in the tragic death of one seafarer. This incident marks the second fatality on a commercial vessel due to the Yemeni rebels’ actions in the Red Sea. Reports suggest that the seafarer’s body is currently trapped in the flooded engine room, with uncertainty surrounding the cause of death.

The 82,400-dwt Tutor, owned by Evalend Shipping, was the first ship to be hit by a Houthi sea drone and was subsequently attacked with at least one missile. The vessel has been experiencing severe flooding and damage to its engine room, with concerns raised about its potential sinking. A salvage operation is underway, with Tsavliris Salvage Group mobilizing two oceangoing tug boats, the Gladiator and Hercules, to assist in rescuing the Tutor.

Despite the challenges posed by US sanctions against Iran, the salvage operation for the Tutor has received special dispensation from US authorities to proceed. This development mirrors a similar situation involving the True Confidence, where vessels linked to the same US-sanctioned operator were granted approval to assist in a previous rescue operation. Safety concerns and sanctions continue to limit options for vessel rescues in the region, highlighting the complexities faced by salvage operators in such high-risk environments.

Source .