In a recent event, the crew of a commercial ship in the Red Sea had to leave the vessel behind due to a Houthi attack. This marks the first evacuation of its kind since the militant group began threatening trade in the area late last year.
The Belize-flagged ship named Rubymar was hit by two anti-ship ballistic missiles on Sunday evening, according to US Central Command. Following the distress call, a coalition warship and another merchant ship came to their aid, and the crew was safely transported to a nearby port.
Since November, the Houthis, an Iran-backed group, have been increasing their attacks off the coast of Yemen using missiles and drones, particularly targeting ships with connections to Israel, the US, and UK. These attacks are said to be in response to the conflict in Gaza and western airstrikes.
The Rubymar, a relatively small cargo ship, is owned by a company based in Southampton, England. While a Houthi spokesman claimed that they sank an unidentified British ship, this claim remains unverified.
Despite the attack, there were no reports of injuries to the crew of the Rubymar. The vessel sustained damage to its engine room and front but did not sink. The crew members are being taken to Djibouti for further assistance.
The incident highlights the risks faced by ships in the Red Sea, a crucial waterway for global trade. With about 12% of global trade passing through the Suez Canal each year, the recent attacks have prompted some vessels to take longer routes around Africa to avoid the danger zone.
In response to the escalating threats, the European Union has launched a defensive naval operation aimed at protecting commercial vessels from Houthi attacks. This mission, led by Greece, will provide escort to ships traveling through vulnerable areas from the Red Sea to the Persian Gulf.
Meanwhile, the US has conducted self-defense strikes against the Houthis, including one targeting an underwater vessel. Central Command noted that this was the first observed deployment of subsea attack capability since the attacks began.
The situation underscores the challenges faced by maritime trade in the region and the efforts being made to ensure the safety of ships navigating through these waters.
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