Houthi rebels conduct drone attack on tanker in Red Sea

The Liberian-flagged oil tanker Chios Lion was attacked by Yemeni Houthis in the Red Sea, leading to damage and a possible oil spill. The Joint Maritime Information Center for the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden (JMIC) reported that the vessel was targeted by an unmanned watercraft, causing minor damage on its port side. Following the attack, the ship changed course to assess the damage and investigate the potential oil spill. Fortunately, the captain and crew were reported safe.

The manager of Chios Lion did not immediately comment on the incident. The Houthis claimed responsibility for targeting both Chios Lion and another vessel with missiles, drones, and booby-trapped boats in response to an Israeli airstrike in Gaza. These attacks have caused economic damage by forcing shipping companies to reroute their vessels around Africa instead of through the Suez Canal. They also pose environmental threats due to the potential release of spilled cargo like oil and fertilizers.

The ongoing attacks by Houthi rebels are impacting global trade and threatening the environment. These incidents highlight the risks faced by shipping companies in the region, as they navigate challenges such as increased costs and potential environmental hazards. The situation underscores the need for continued monitoring and response efforts to ensure the safety of maritime operations in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

Source .