The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, receiving a report of a maritime incident 63 nautical miles southwest of Hodeidah, Yemen.

In a statement published on its website, seen by "Barran Press", the UKMTO said the captain reported an explosion at a distance from the ship at 1:00 AM local time.

"One hour later, the captain reported a small craft observed in the vicinity behaving suspiciously and flashing its lights towards the ship," the statement added. "At 3:00 AM, the captain reported a second explosion near the ship."

The UKMTO noted that reports indicate the ship and its crew are safe and the vessel is heading to its next port. The organization advised ships to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity to UKMTO.

Since last November, the Houthi group, designated as a terrorist organization by several countries, has launched missile and drone attacks against commercial cargo ships in the Red Sea, the Arabian Sea, and the Gulf of Aden.

The group's attacks have led to increased maritime insurance costs and prompted many international shipping companies to opt for the much longer route around the southern tip of the African continent.

To deter the Houthis, the "Guardians of Prosperity" coalition, led by the United States and with significant British participation, launched airstrikes against Houthi positions in Yemen in January 2024. The Houthis, in turn, have expanded their operations to target ships linked to Washington and London, as they have publicly declared.