Missile strikes cargo ship off Yemen

A handout picture released by the US Central Command (CENTCOM) on March 2, 2024 shows the capsized Belize-flagged UK-owned bulk carrier Rubymar in the Red Sea, after taking damage due to a February 18 missile strike claimed by Yemen’s Huthi group. The sinking of a Belize-flagged bulker off Yemen after a Huthi missile attack poses grave environmental risks, with fuel leaks and fertilizer cargo pouring into the Red Sea, according to officials and experts. (Photo by AFP)

An Antigua and Barbuda-flagged cargo ship caught fire after it was hit by a missile off the coast of Yemen on Saturday night, maritime security firm Ambrey said.

“The ship was heading southwest along the Gulf of Aden at a speed of 8.2 kts when the forward station was struck by a missile. A fire started but was neutralized,” Ambrey said in a statement.

A second missile missed and “small boats in the vicinity opened fire on the ship” causing it to change direction to port.

“No injuries were reported,” the security firm added.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), run by Britain’s Royal Navy, said in a separate statement that it was informed of an incident southeast of Aden on Saturday night, and that authorities were investigating.

“Vessels are advised to transit with caution,” it said.

The attack comes amid a campaign of drone and missile strikes against Israeli-linked shipping by Yemen’s Iran-backed Huthi rebels.

The rebels’ attacks, which they say are in support of Palestinians, have prompted some shipping companies to detour around southern Africa to avoid the Red Sea, a route that normally carries about 12 percent of global trade.

Since January, the United States and Britain have launched retaliatory strikes on Huthi targets in Yemen in response to the attacks on shipping.

The strikes have done little to deter the Huthis, who have vowed to target US and British vessels as well as all ships heading to Israeli ports.