A Netherlands-flagged general cargo vessel was attacked off the coast of Yemen on 23 September, with no casualties or damage reported, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) confirmed.
According to the UKMTO, the incident occurred approximately 120 nautical miles east of Aden. The vessel’s captain reported hearing a splash followed by an explosion near the ship at 03:20 local time. Despite the proximity, the vessel continued safely to its next port of call.
Maritime security firm Vanguard noted that the ship has no known Israeli affiliations, suggesting it was likely not the intended target. The attack coincides with a period of heightened tensions in the region, where Iranian-backed Houthi rebels have previously targeted shipping in the Red Sea corridor and launched missile and drone attacks on Israel, citing solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza conflict.
The source of the attack remains unconfirmed, and the Houthis have not yet claimed responsibility. The area where the vessel was targeted is under the control of forces loyal to Yemen’s internationally recognized government.
UKMTO continues to monitor the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden for potential threats to commercial shipping in the strategic corridor.
Photo: UKMTO
