The 19-member crew of a Greek-operated bulk carrier hit by gunfire, drones and missiles in the Red Sea were rescued by a passing ship, maritime security companies said on Sunday.
The Liberian-flagged vessel Magic Seas came under attack in the Red Sea on Sunday by several small boats that opened fire on it, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported.
The incident marks a rare assault in the strategic waters near Yemen, coming two months after the US announced a truce with the country's Houthi rebels aimed at halting attacks on shipping in the region.
The ship was carrying iron and fertilisers from China to Turkey, and its operator Stem Shipping received no warning of the attack, representative Michael Bodouroglou told Reuters. He said the crew was safe and would arrive in Djibouti later on Monday.
“UKMTO has received a report of an incident 51NM [nautical miles] south-west of Hodeidah, Yemen,” the UKMTO said. “The vessel has been engaged by multiple small vessels who have opened fire with small arms and self-propelled grenades. Armed security team have returned fire. Authorities are investigating. Vessels are advised to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity to UKMTO.”
A passing vessel had picked up the crew from lifeboats and would deliver them to Djibouti in the coming hours, in an operation co-ordinated by UKMTO, Mr Bodouroglou said.
"Fortunately, we had no injuries," he added. The crew had reported fires at the vessel's forepeak. The engine room and at least two of its holds were flooded and electricity was cut off.
It was later confirmed that the Liberian-flagged vessel had been struck by unknown projectiles, resulting in a fire on board, and that the vessel was taking on water. The crew was preparing to abandon ship.
UK-based security company Ambrey reported the merchant vessel "was approached and attacked by eight skiffs while transiting northbound in the Red Sea" before being attacked with small arms and rocket-propelled grenades.
Hodeidah is controlled by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels. The Houthis later claimed responsibility.
The incident comes two months after US President Donald Trump announced on May 6 that the Iran-backed Houthi rebels had “capitulated”, prompting Washington to halt strikes after the group agreed to stop attacking ships in the Red Sea.
But the Houthis pledged last month to resume operations in the region after the US attacked their main backer, Iran. Yemeni security sources told The National in June that the rebels were considering renewed strikes on US targets around the Middle East and increasing attacks on Israel in support of Tehran.
On Sunday, the Houthis launched a missile towards Israel, which the Israeli army said it intercepted and destroyed. The Houthis, along with Hezbollah in Lebanon, began launching drone and missile attacks on Israel after the start of the Gaza war in October 2023.
