The Red Sea is witnessing increasingly perilous times for ships sailing its waters, as demonstrated by recent events. On Monday, Houthi rebels claimed a "disastrous" attack on a vessel in the region, causing severe damage and necessitating the evacuation of all crew members.
According to CNBC International on Tuesday (20/2/2024), the attack occurred off the coast of Yemen, specifically in the Bab el-Mandeb strait. The ship, identified as the British-owned cargo vessel Rubymar, was reportedly on the brink of sinking despite all crew members surviving.
Houthi spokesman Yahya Sare'e confirmed the incident, stating, "The vessel sustained severe damage and came to a complete stop."
"Due to the extensive damage suffered by the vessel, it is now at risk of sinking in the Gulf of Aden. During the operation, we ensured the safe evacuation of the ship's crew," he emphasized.
According to data from VesselFinder and MarineTraffic, the ship was sailing under the flag of Belize. Rubymar, as per MarineTraffic data, was sailing from Ras al-Khair in Saudi Arabia to Varna, Bulgaria.
Meanwhile, global maritime risk experts Ambrey Analytics informed that the vessel was still afloat around 8:00 am London time. However, it was confirmed that the ship had deviated from its course and slowed down.
"The partially laden vessel briefly slowed from ten to six knots and deviated from its route, contacting the Djibouti Navy, before returning to its original course and speed," Ambrey Analytics stated in a private note to its clients, explaining that there were swift reports of three missile strikes observed en route to Bab el-Mandeb.
Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea are seen as a protest against Israel's attacks on Gaza, Palestine. Foreign vessels, particularly those associated with Israel and its allies, the United States (US), and Britain, have been targeted.
The increasing frequency of attacks by the Houthi group has crippled maritime traffic through the Red Sea, which accounts for approximately 12% of global maritime transit. Several shipping companies, including Danish giant Maersk, and oil companies, have halted navigation through the Red Sea or altered ship routes to take longer and more expensive routes around the Cape of Good Hope.
Crude oil and oil product trades are particularly vulnerable, given the significant number of major producers located in the Middle East. Yesterday, Brent contracts for April delivery traded at $83.15 per barrel, while next month's WTI was at $79.05.
The hostilities have also led to skirmishes between Houthi forces and US and British troops. Sare'e stated that Houthi forces also shot down a US drone in Hodeidah on Sunday.
In a separate incident, Ambrey Analytics issued a warning stating that on Monday, they learned of an unnamed US-flagged bulk carrier requesting military assistance amid "missile attacks," east of the port city of Aden, Yemen. However, this report has yet to be confirmed.