The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has reported an attack on a vessel 23NM West of Mukha, Yemen. The vessel, identified as the Panama-flagged, Chinese-owned and operated Crude Oil Tanker HUANG PU (IMO: 9402469), was hit by an unidentified projectile, causing a fire on board. The crew managed to extinguish the fire. Reports indicate that within a twelve-hour period, five anti-ship ballistic missiles (ASBM) were fired towards the vessel, with only the fifth one hitting and causing the fire.
The HUANG PU reportedly sent out a distress call, but it did not request assistance. The vessel and crew are reported safe and are continuing to their next port of call.
According to multiple open-sources, the HUANG PU is owned by a Chinese holding company. The Houthis have previously stated that they would not attack any Chinese ships. It is therefore possible this was a case of old information, as the South China Morning Post reported that the vessel’s registered owner changed in February 2024.
All vessels in the area are advised to proceed with caution and to report any suspicious activities to the UKMTO.
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