The Houthis have claimed a missile attack on the Saudi-flagged chemical tanker NCC Ghazal, the latest vessel they say violated the group’s blockade on Saudi ports.
Houthi military spokesman said the group fired several ballistic missiles at the tanker as it transited the southern Red Sea. He claimed the vessel turned back after the strike. Independent sources have not verified the claim or confirmed any damage.
The reported attack coincided with a UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) warning about an incident involving a tanker near Jizan, Saudi Arabia. The vessel’s master reported hearing an explosion during the transit. UKMTO said the crew was safe and reported no pollution. The agency did not identify the tanker or attribute the incident to any party.
Security analysts believe the UKMTO report refers to MV NCC Ghazal, although neither Saudi authorities nor the vessel’s operator have confirmed this.
MV NCC Ghazal is a 49,990-dwt chemical and products tanker built in 2014. The Saudi-flagged vessel is owned by National Chemical Carriers Co. and commercially managed by Bahri Ship Management DMCC.
AIS data shows the tanker was last recorded at the Saudi port of Yanbu before disappearing from public tracking several days ago. Many merchant ships now limit AIS transmissions while operating in high-risk areas.
