Barran Press
A Saudi oil tanker and another vessel flying the Panamanian flag were attacked in the Red Sea off the coast of Yemen on Monday, September 2, 2024, according to Reuters.
Sources told the news agency that the Saudi-flagged tanker, "Amjad," and the Panamanian-flagged "Blue Lagoon 1" were sailing close to each other when they were hit. Both tankers were able to continue their journeys without significant damage or injuries to crew members.
The Saudi Arabian National Shipping Company, owner of the "Amjad," did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The tanker has a capacity of one million barrels, according to Reuters. The agency was unable to obtain a response from the Greek company, "Sea Trade Marine S.A.," which manages the "Blue Lagoon 1," which has a capacity of one million barrels.
One source said it was unlikely that the "Amjad" was directly targeted. It is unclear whether the attack was carried out by Houthi rebels, designated as a terrorist group by the international community.
Earlier in the day, British maritime security firm, Ambrey, reported that a drone had struck a commercial vessel off the coast of Hudaydah governorate in western Yemen. No injuries were reported.
Ambrey added that there were no reports of damage to the vessel. The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) confirmed that the ship was continuing to sail to its next port, according to Reuters.
The UKMTO also reported that a commercial vessel was attacked with unknown projectiles 70 nautical miles northwest of Salif in Yemen.
In an advisory issued earlier in the day, the UKMTO said that damage was being assessed and that a third explosion occurred near the vessel. No injuries were reported.
The UKMTO advised vessels to exercise caution and report any suspicious activity to the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency.
Since November 2023, the Houthi rebels have continued their attacks with missiles and drones against commercial shipping vessels in the Red Sea, the Arabian Sea, and the Gulf of Aden.
The group's attacks have led to increased maritime insurance costs and have prompted many international shipping companies to favor the much longer route around the southern tip of the African continent.
To deter the Houthis and protect maritime navigation, the United States formed a multinational coalition in December 2023. US forces have carried out strikes against Houthi military targets on occasion.