Merchant Ship Attacked Off Yemen Coast With Explosive Device

DUBAI: A merchant ship was attacked off Yemen’s coast on Thursday using a floating improvised explosive device, two British maritime security agencies reported.

The incident occurred west of the port city of Hodeida, with the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) confirming that the vessel was safe and proceeding to its next port of call. UKMTO, operated by Britain’s Royal Navy, reported that the crew onboard remained unharmed.

Ambrey, a maritime risk management group, initially reported that the merchant vessel had been “hit” by a projectile while navigating south along the Red Sea. The ship issued a distress call following the incident.

There has been no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack, although Yemen’s Houthi rebels have previously targeted several ships since November as part of a campaign they claim is in solidarity with Palestinians during the Gaza conflict.

Earlier this week, another maritime incident involving a missile occurred in close proximity to a vessel south of Yemen’s Aden port, according to UKMTO. Despite the proximity of the missile, the ship continued its journey without casualties or damage reported.

The Joint Maritime Information Center, overseen by the US Navy, identified the vessel involved in Thursday’s attack as the Lila Lisbon, a bulk carrier flagged by Saint Kitts and Nevis. Confirming that the vessel was not directly hit and all crew members remained safe.

In response to repeated Houthi attacks targeting commercial shipping in the Red Sea, the United States initiated a maritime security initiative in December aimed at safeguarding the crucial shipping route, which handles approximately 12 percent of global trade. Since January, both the US and UK have conducted airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen.