Six people were killed after the Egyptian-owned cargo ship Tihamah came under attack near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait off Yemen on August 11. Yemeni authorities and maritime security sources said at least 10 people were also injured and the vessel sustained significant damage.
The 520-dwt MV Tihamah, a 2024-built general cargo ship measuring 63 metres in length, had departed the Yemeni government-held port of Al Mokha on August 8. The vessel was reportedly anchored northeast of Perim Island when an unknown projectile struck it.
Yemen’s Ministry of Transport initially reported four crew fatalities. The victims included three Pakistani and one Indonesian seafarer. The death toll later rose to six after a second attack reportedly hit the area while rescue forces were responding.
The initial strike started a fire and seriously damaged the vessel. Yemen’s Coast Guard sent personnel to assist the crew but also came under fire. Two people involved in the rescue operation were killed and several others were injured.
The Houthis have not formally claimed responsibility. However, Houthi-controlled media later reported that the group had attacked a ship carrying Saudi military equipment in the Bab el-Mandeb. The statement did not identify the vessel.
UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) separately confirmed that a cargo vessel had been hit by an unknown projectile off Al Mokha. It also reported casualties.
The attack marks a major escalation for shipping in the Red Sea region as the Houthis resume attacks on commercial vessels. Kpler data showed that an average of 32 ships a day passed through the Bab el-Mandeb last week. Before the latest blockade was announced, the figure was about 50.
