A cargo ship has been declared a total loss after being hit by several unknown projectiles off the coast of Yemen. This incident adds to the rising tension in the southern Red Sea.
On Tuesday, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that local authorities informed them of the incident occurring about 40 nautical miles southeast of Al Mukha, Yemen.
At the time of the attack, the cargo ship was unmanned, according to UKMTO Warning 117-26. The damage from the attack has rendered the ship a "complete constructive loss."
Details regarding the name of the vessel or the reasons it was unmanned were not provided immediately. Authorities are currently investigating the situation.
This attack occurs amid increasing dangers to maritime security in the southern Red Sea, especially around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the nearby Port of Al-Mokha.
According to the Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC), Al-Mokha Port is fully closed to commercial ships due to over 25 missile strikes and fires at the port. Commercial shipping in the southern Red Sea and through the Bab el-Mandeb remains below normal levels.
JMIC has assessed the threat level in the Bab el-Mandeb and southern Red Sea as SUBSTANTIAL, indicating that further attacks are likely due to ongoing Houthi military activities and statements.
This latest incident follows a serious attack near Al Mukha on August 11, when another cargo ship was hit by an unidentified projectile while it was stationary about five nautical miles off the Yemeni coast. This attack resulted in a fire and several crew fatalities and injuries, according to JMIC.
The deteriorating security situation in the Red Sea is coinciding with increased attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
JMIC noted an uptick in the frequency of attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait, including projectile hits on ships traveling in both directions. The threat level in Hormuz is rated as SEVERE, meaning that hostile actions are considered very likely.
In one recent incident, a general cargo ship sailing south through the Strait of Hormuz was struck in its engine room by an unknown projectile, resulting in the death of a crew member. The Omani Coast Guard responded to provide assistance to the vessel.
UKMTO has warned vessels operating near Al Mukha to proceed with caution and report any suspicious activity.