Red Sea: In a significant escalation of Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, the crew of a commercial ship was forced to abandon their vessel following a missile strike. This marks the first instance of a crew evacuation in the region since the militant group commenced its threatening activities late last year.
Missile Strikes and Evacuation
On Sunday evening local time, the Belize-flagged Rubymar was struck by two anti-ship ballistic missiles, causing severe damage. The incident prompted a distress call, leading a coalition warship and another merchant vessel to respond. The distressed crew was successfully evacuated and transported to a nearby port.
Red Sea – Houthi Targeting and Responses
Since November, the Houthis have intensified their attacks off the coast of Yemen, employing missiles and drone strikes against the merchant fleet. The Iran-backed group claims to be targeting vessels with affiliations to Israel, the US, and the UK, citing their response to the conflict in Gaza and western airstrikes aimed at quelling the attacks.
Vessel Details and Houthi Claims
The Rubymar, a relatively small cargo ship, is registered under an owner based in Southampton, England, according to the Equasis international maritime database. A Houthi spokesman claimed the “complete sinking” of an unidentified British ship, a statement that remains unverified independently.
Red Sea – Response and Evacuation Details
Centcom’s statement did not confirm whether the Rubymar had sunk, and as of now, there has been no response from the vessel’s owner. Reports from GMZ Ship Management Co. in Lebanon suggest that the attacks primarily targeted the engine room and the front of the ship, with no reported injuries to the crew, who are en route to Djibouti.
Global Trade Implications
Approximately 12% of global trade, and potentially up to 30% of container traffic, passes through the Suez Canal annually. Due to rising concerns of attacks, a significant portion of the world’s shipping fleet is now opting for longer routes around Africa, contributing to increased voyage times and shipping costs.
Red Sea – Continued Attacks and EU Naval Operation
On the same day, another ship reported two nearby explosions, indicating the severity of ongoing maritime threats. The European Union launched a defensive naval operation aimed at protecting commercial vessels from Houthi attacks, extending its mission from the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden to the Persian Gulf.
US Strikes and Houthi Response
Over the weekend, the US conducted five self-defense strikes against the Houthis, including one targeting an underwater vessel. Central Command reported this as the first observed deployment of subsea attack capability since the onset of Houthi attacks.