Military authorities have reported an incident involving a suspected Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS) attack on Portugal-flagged Container Ship MSC ORION (IMO: 9857157). The incident occurred 170NM Southeast of Socotra, Yemen, and approximately 300-400NM Southeast of the Horn of Africa while the vessel was transiting in the Indian Ocean.
The vessel reportedly sustained minor damage, but her crew are safe and she is continuing to the next port of call.
According to LSEG data, MSC ORION was sailing between ports in Portugal and Salalah, Oman, but there have been conflicting reports, including information about her registered owner. Several data providers list the MSC ORION's owner as Zodiac Maritime, which is partly owned by Israeli businessman Eyal Ofer, but a spokesman representing Zodiac Maritime has stated publicly that the company has never owned the vessel.
Despite several other similar attacks in the Indian Ocean, this is the first confirmed at these distances. The Houthis are believed to be using Iranian-manufactured drones which Iran claims have a range of over 600NM.
An investigation into the incident is currently underway. Vessels in the area are advised to proceed with caution and report any suspicious activity to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).
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