Yemen’s Houthi rebels launched a drone-boat bomb and ballistic missile attack against a commercial vessel in the Red Sea, promoting the deployment of military assistance on Wednesday.
The British military’s United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) centre said it had received a report of the incident which occurred 66 nautical miles (102 kilometres) south-west of Al Hudaydah, Yemen at around 07:14 (GMT).
“The vessel was hit on the stern by a small craft. The description of the small craft was white in colour, and five to seven metres in length,” UKMTO reported.
“The Master reports the vessel is taking on water, and not under command of the crew. Military authorities are assisting. Vessels are advised to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity to UKMTO,” they said.
The attackers allegedly used a drone boat loaded with explosives to launch the first attack, which was followed by an airborne hit.
UKMTO said the Master of the vessel had reported that the vessel was hit for a second time by “an unknown airborne projectile”.
AP News reported that Yemen’s military spokesperson Brigadier General, Yahya Saree, claimed responsibility for the attack, identifying the vessel targeted as the Liberian-flagged, Greek-owned bulk carrier Tutor. He said the attack had involved a “drone boat” and ballistic missiles.
