The Liberia-flagged, Israeli-owned chemical tanker Scarlet Ray was reportedly targeted by a missile from Yemen’s Houthi movement on Monday, September 1, while passing near the Red Sea port city of Yanbu, Saudi Arabia.
The vessel, owned by Eastern Pacific Shipping, reported a nearby explosion but sustained no damage, and all crew members remained safe. According to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), the crew observed “a splash in close proximity from an unknown projectile” and heard a loud bang, after which the tanker continued its voyage.
British maritime security firm Ambrey noted that the Scarlet Ray fits the profile of Houthi targets due to its Israeli ownership. Since 2023, the Houthis have frequently targeted vessels they associate with Israel, citing support for Palestinians in Gaza. Monday’s incident marked the furthest north a Houthi-linked attack has been recorded in the Red Sea.
Maritime security experts highlighted that the attack coincided with rising regional tensions following the recent death of a senior Houthi leader, which had prompted Israeli airstrikes in Yemen. While authorities are investigating the incident, Saudi Arabia has historically acted to prevent assaults near its territorial waters and is expected to respond firmly if attacks persist.
