British maritime trade authorities reported on Tuesday that two ships sustained damage from missile and drone attacks off the coast of Hodeidah, Yemen. Fortunately, the crews of both vessels are reported to be unharmed.

The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) issued a statement confirming that one of the vessels, a Panama-flagged tanker, was targeted by a drone while sailing approximately 64 nautical miles northwest of Hodeidah.

British maritime security firm Ambrey noted that the attack resulted in damage to the ship's ballast tank, adding that the tanker is now en route to its next port of call. Earlier, the vessel reported spotting four splashes in the water nearby, which a maritime security source indicated were likely attempts to launch missile strikes.

According to Ambrey and maritime security sources, the second vessel—a Liberia-flagged bulk carrier—was also damaged after being hit by a missile about 97 nautical miles northwest of Hodeidah. The ship was reportedly heading to Suez, Egypt. Authorities are currently investigating both attacks, but no group has claimed responsibility.

Earlier the same day, UK maritime security agency UKMTO reported that a drone had struck a ship off the Yemeni coast, where Houthi rebels have been launching attacks on maritime vessels for months. The agency confirmed a breach in ballast tank number six on the affected ship, which had previously been threatened by the drone attack.

Since November 2023, the Houthi group, listed globally as a terrorist organization, has intensified its missile and drone assaults against commercial shipping in the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, and Gulf of Aden. These attacks have led to increased marine insurance costs and prompted many international shipping companies to opt for significantly longer routes around the southern tip of Africa.

In response to the Houthi threats and to safeguard maritime navigation, the United States formed a multinational coalition in December 2023. U.S. forces have periodically conducted strikes against Houthi military targets in the region.