The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported early Wednesday, August 21, 2024, that it had received a report of a maritime incident off the coast of Hodeidah Governorate (western Yemen).

In a statement published on its official website, the UKMTO stated that it received a report of an incident occurring 77 nautical miles west of Hodeidah, Yemen.

The statement mentioned that authorities are investigating the incident, advising vessels to proceed with caution and report any suspicious activity to the UK Maritime Trade Operations.

Since last November, the Houthi group, internationally designated as a terrorist organization, 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 favor the much longer route around the southern tip of the African continent.

To deter the Houthis, the "Prosperity Guard" coalition, led by the United States and with significant British participation, launched airstrikes on Houthi positions in Yemen in January 2024. The group has since expanded its operations to target vessels associated with Washington and London, according to its own announcements.