Six people were killed and ten wounded in an attack on a commercial cargo vessel in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait on Tuesday, prompting a fresh warning to ship operators over the risks of transiting the Red Sea region.
The Tihamah, a Yemeni-flagged vessel carrying food supplies, was struck by ballistic missiles three times, setting the ship alight and causing damage, Yemen's Transportation Ministry said.
Four crew members – three Pakistanis and one Indonesian – and two Yemeni 2nd Naval Brigade officials were killed in the attack while 11 Pakistani and Indonesian sailors had been rescued, Yemen's Coast Guard said.
Houthi forces allegedly fired another missile as rescue teams attempted to reach the distressed crew.
Shipowners and operators should thoroughly assess the risks before transiting the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden and follow appropriate best management practices, International Maritime Organization Secretary-General, Arsenio Dominguez, said on Wednesday.
“It is with sadness and regret to know that, once again, innocent seafarers have lost their lives in an indefensible attack on international shipping. I offer my deepest condolences to the families of those involved.
“It is particularly troublesome that the most recent attack has taken place in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden area. I reiterate my call for shipowners and ship operators to thoroughly assess risks before transiting this and other regions and follow appropriate best management practices. Seafarers deserve to be protected and allowed to do their jobs in safety and security.”
Continued attacks on commercial shipping were escalating tensions and threatening global supply chains, he added.
“I also urge the immediate and unconditional release of all seafarers who continue to be held captive following piracy attacks in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden region. Ensuring seafarer safety is a fundamental obligation under international law and a shared responsibility of the global community,” Dominguez said.
The attack represented a fresh escalation in a campaign targeting Yemen's interests, ports, infrastructure and supply routes, Yemen's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates said in a statement reported by the Yemen News Agency.
The ministry accused the Houthis of disrupting commercial and economic activity and worsening Yemen's humanitarian crisis.
Vessels should exercise caution when transiting the area and report any suspicious activity, UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said in an advisory following the incident.
Authorities were investigating the attack, UKMTO added.
