An empty bulk carrier bearing the Maltese flag has been hit by a missile off the coast of Yemen.
Zografia, a Greek-owned vessel sailing from Vietnam to Israel was hit 76 nautical mils northwest of a Yemeni Port, carrying 24 crew and no cargo. An unnamed source told Reuters that the missile hit rendered only material damage and no injuries.
The Malta-flagged vessel’s attack is only the latest in a string of attacks orchestrated by the Houthi rebel group. The Houthi militia, formally known as Ansar Allah, is a rebel group based in Yemen, primarily composed of Zaidi Shia Muslims. Emerging from the northern part of the country, the Houthis gained international attention for their armed opposition to the Yemeni government. The conflict escalated, leading to their takeover of the Yemeni capital, Sanaa, in 2014.
Satellite imagery analysed by The Associated Press showed that the vessel was still moving after the attack.
In response to the recent attack on a Malta-flagged bulk carrier, 76 nautical miles northwest of the Yemeni port of Saleef, the Maritime Security Committee, presided by the Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Public Works Chris Bonett, was convened to assess the ongoing situation. Based on the information available, there are no reported injuries among the crew and the vessel sustained damage to its structure. It appears that the vessel continued its course and is currently seeking a port for necessary repairs.
The incidents occurring in the Red Sea are a major concern for us, as the area is a major global shipping lane and vital for international maritime commerce. Ensuring the safety of shipping lanes is not just a regional concern but a matter of international importance.
The escalating situation emphasizes the importance of ensuring the safety of vessels from such attacks as they navigate through the area. Therefore, we advocate for and are ready to participate in a coordinated international action to restore and maintain normalcy in the area.
Photo Source: myKN – Kuehne + Nagel
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