Assault on the High Seas
MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company has reported an attack on one of its large container vessels, the MSC United VIII, by Yemen’s Houthi rebels during its transit through the southern Red Sea. The incident occurred around midday UTC on Tuesday, with the group confirming the vessel was targeted by naval missiles.
Crew Safety and Vessel Status
Following the attack, the Liberia-flagged ship, which was journeying from Saudi Arabia to Pakistan, undertook immediate evasive action. MSC has stated that all crew members are unharmed and a comprehensive evaluation of the ship’s condition is underway. The company emphasizes that crew safety is paramount and has opted to reroute Suez-bound ships via the Cape of Good Hope until further notice.
Houthi Rebels Claim Responsibility
The Houthi military spokesperson, Yahya Saree, declared responsibility for the strike, asserting that the MSC United was hit after ignoring multiple warnings and calls from the naval forces. This assault is part of a series of maritime confrontations in the region.
Other Maritime Incidents
Earlier on the same day, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) made an approach towards a commercial vessel and a nearby warship 80 nautical miles from Hodeidah, Yemen. The warship responded by launching two missiles, with the second successfully intercepting the UAV, according to security firm Ambrey Analytics.
Shipping Giants Exercise Caution
MSC is among several major shipping companies that have recently decided to halt transits through the troubled region. Danish shipping leader AP Moller-Maersk is also preparing for Suez Canal transits in light of the new US-led naval task force, Operation Prosperity Guardian, though no firm date has been set for resuming normal routing.
International Naval Support Wavers
Despite the formation of this multinational task force to secure the Red Sea, several countries, including France, Italy, Spain, Norway, and Denmark, have withdrawn their initial commitments, choosing to support only a NATO-led operation.
Iran Denies Involvement in Separate Attack
In a related development, the US Defense Department reported that the chemical tanker Chem Pluto was targeted by an Iranian-launched drone off the Indian coast. Iran’s foreign ministry has refuted these allegations, denying any involvement in the drone strike.
The recent spate of incidents underscores the growing security concerns for maritime operations in the region and the complex geopolitical landscape affecting international shipping routes.