On Thursday, December 5, 2024, the European Union naval mission in the Red Sea, known as "Aspides," announced the successful rescue of the crew of the cargo ship MV S.V.A. Star, which flies the Panamanian flag, after they sent a distress signal.

In a statement shared on their X platform account and reported by "Barran Press," Aspides confirmed that all 20 crew members were rescued and would be transported to Djibouti, the nearest safe port.

The mission reported that the ship had experienced a leak in its engine room, prompting the captain to request assistance, which led to the crew's evacuation.

However, conflicting reports have emerged regarding the nature of the incident. A source from maritime security indicated that the ship encountered engine problems, while another source claimed that an internal explosion occurred. As of now, details about the current status of the ship remain unclear.

According to sources, the vessel was approximately 100 nautical miles from Hodeidah Port in Yemen when it requested help. It remains uncertain whether the incident is connected to operations by the Houthi movement, which is internationally classified as a terrorist organization.

Since October, the Houthis have launched missile and drone attacks against commercial shipping vessels in the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, and Gulf of Aden. These actions have led to increased marine insurance costs and prompted many international shipping companies to opt for significantly longer routes around the southern tip of the African continent.

In response to the Houthis, the "Prosperity Guard" coalition, led by the United States and prominently involving the UK, began conducting airstrikes on Houthi positions in Yemen in January 2024. The group has since expanded its operations to include vessels linked to Washington and London.