A Saudi-owned VLCC was hit by an unknown projectile off Yanbu in the northern Red Sea on August 24, raising new security concerns for Saudi crude exports, Splash 247 reports.
The 320,926-dwt Amzan was struck about 63 nautical miles west of Yanbu. The impact caused a fire on the main deck. All crew members were safe, with no injuries or environmental damage reported. Bahri, the vessel’s owner, confirmed the incident and said it was coordinating with the authorities.
Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree later claimed that the group had attacked Amzan with a ballistic missile. The weapon type has not been independently confirmed.
The attack puts further pressure on Yanbu, Saudi Arabia’s main Red Sea oil port. The port has become an important alternative route for Saudi crude exports as shipping through the Strait of Hormuz faces major disruption.
The incident shows that Saudi-linked tankers now face security risks not only in the Gulf, but also along the Red Sea route used to move crude to international markets.
