Ship off Yemen coast reports explosion nearby: UK Maritime

The ship reported a missile landing in the water approximately 50 meters off the starboard side of the ship, JMIC said.

Smoke rises after an explosion on a ship that Houthis say is an attack by them on Greek-owned MV Tutor in the Red Sea, dated June 12, 2024, in this screen grab obtained from a video. (Reuters/ REPRESENTATIONAL/ File)

A merchant vessel in the Arabian Sea reported an explosion in close proximity to it on Monday, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said.

UKMTO said the crew was reported safe and the vessel was proceeding to its next port of call.

The Red Sea and Gulf of Aden Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC) later identified the vessel as Liberian-flagged container MSC SARAH V, saying it was attacked by a missile while navigating the Arabian Sea but was not hit.

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Also Read | Houthi claims attacks on two ships in Red Sea and Indian Ocean

The ship was sailing 246 nautical miles southeast of Yemen’s Nishtun.

The ship reported a missile landing in the water approximately 50 meters off the starboard side of the ship, JMIC said.

“The vessel was likely attacked due to perceived Israeli association,” JMIC’s note added.

Also Read | Suspected Yemen Houthi attack targets vessel in waters further away than many previous assaults

Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi group has been launching drone and missile strikes in shipping lanes since November, saying that it acts in solidarity with Palestinians in Israel’s war in Gaza.

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In dozens of attacks, the Houthis have sunk two vessels, seized another and killed at least three seafarers.

There was no immediate comment from the Houthis.

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