ALBAWABA- The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) on Friday reported an unspecified incident involving a merchant vessel about 15 nautical miles west of Yemen, near Houthi-controlled coastal waters in the Red Sea.
Details on the nature of the incident, possible damage, or crew safety remain unclear, with an investigation underway. UKMTO urged ships in the area to exercise “extreme caution,” maintain heightened vigilance, and report any suspicious activity.
Private maritime security firms, including Ambrey, echoed the alert and recommended that vessels transit at maximum speed and avoid coastal approaches.
While no group has claimed responsibility, the location and timing align with a pattern of Houthi activity targeting commercial shipping.
The U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet and a multinational task force, including HMS Diamond and USS Carney, are monitoring the situation but reported no immediate engagement.
Since late 2023, the Houthis have targeted more than 100 ships bound to Israel, using drones, missiles, and small-boat assaults, in one of the world’s most critical trade corridors.
Recent attacks include a July 2025 RPG and gunfire strike southwest of Hodeidah that forced a Liberian-flagged crew to abandon ship, and an October drone attack near Aden that set a gas tanker ablaze.
