|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Cargo Ship Destroyed in Attack Off Yemen
A cargo ship has been declared a constructive total loss after being struck by multiple unidentified projectiles off Yemen, adding to a series of attacks that have intensified security risks for commercial shipping in the southern Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb.
UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said local authorities reported the incident around 40 nautical miles southeast of Al Mukha, Yemen. The vessel was unmanned when it was attacked, and the resulting damage was severe enough for the ship to be considered a complete constructive loss.
Authorities have not disclosed the vessel's identity or explained why it had been left unmanned. An investigation into the incident is continuing.
Cargo Ship Declared a Constructive Total Loss
According to UKMTO Warning 117-26, multiple unknown projectiles struck the cargo vessel near Al Mukha.
No crew members were aboard the ship at the time of the attack. UKMTO said the extent of the damage resulted in the vessel being classified as a constructive total loss.
A constructive total loss generally indicates that recovering or repairing a vessel is no longer economically viable compared with its insured value.
The latest incident adds to growing concerns over vessel safety along the Yemeni coastline and surrounding shipping routes.
Al-Mokha Port Remains Closed to Commercial Traffic
Maritime security conditions around Al-Mokha have deteriorated significantly.
The Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC) said Al-Mokha Port remains completely closed to commercial traffic following more than 25 cumulative missile impacts and fires affecting its berths.
Commercial vessel traffic through the southern Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait also remains below normal levels.
JMIC continues to assess the threat level in Bab el-Mandeb and the southern Red Sea as SUBSTANTIAL, indicating that further attacks remain a strong possibility amid continued Houthi messaging and military activity.
Previous Al Mukha Attack Caused Crew Casualties
The latest incident follows another deadly attack near Al Mukha on 11 August.
In that incident, an unidentified projectile struck a cargo vessel while it was stationary approximately five nautical miles from the Yemeni coast.
The strike caused a fire aboard the vessel and resulted in multiple crew fatalities and injuries, according to JMIC.
The two incidents highlight the continuing threat to commercial vessels operating close to Yemen and around one of the world's most important maritime chokepoints.
Red Sea and Hormuz Shipping Face Simultaneous Threats
The deterioration in Red Sea security comes as commercial shipping is simultaneously facing increased attacks in the Strait of Hormuz.
JMIC said the frequency of attacks against commercial vessels in Hormuz has increased, with projectile strikes affecting both inbound and outbound ships.
The organisation continues to classify the threat level in the Strait of Hormuz as SEVERE, meaning deliberate hostile action against shipping is considered highly likely.
In one recent incident, an unknown projectile struck the engine room of a general cargo ship travelling southbound through Hormuz, killing a crew member. The Omani Coast Guard responded to assist the vessel.
The simultaneous security threats around Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb increase operational uncertainty across two critical maritime gateways serving Middle Eastern and international trade.
Southern Red Sea Shipping Risks Remain Elevated
The latest attack reinforces the difficult operating environment facing shipowners, operators and crews in the southern Red Sea.
Reduced commercial traffic through Bab el-Mandeb, the closure of Al-Mokha Port and continuing attacks on vessels are affecting confidence in shipping routes around Yemen.
UKMTO has advised vessels operating near Al Mukha to exercise caution and report suspicious activity.
With JMIC maintaining elevated threat assessments for both the southern Red Sea and Strait of Hormuz, maritime security remains a significant consideration for vessel routing and voyage planning across the region.
