The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has reported an attack approximately 50NM South of Mocha, Yemen in the Gulf of Aden. The exact location of the incident has not been released and is still under investigation.
The Master of the American-flagged, owned, and operated Container Ship, MAERSK DETROIT (IMO: 9333034) reported an explosion about 100 meters off the Starboard side. No injuries or damages have been reported, and the vessel and crew are safe.
The MAERSK DETROIT was sailing with another American-flagged container vessel, MAERSK CHESAPEAKE (IMO: 9356074), under the escort of the US destroyer USS Gravely (DDG-107). The US Central Command (CENTCOM) has confirmed that three anti-ship ballistic missiles were fired at the MAERSK DETROIT; one missile hit the water, while the other two were intercepted and destroyed by the USS Gravely. Following the explosions, the US Navy turned both vessels around and escorted them back to the Gulf of Aden.
The vessels are enrolled in the US Maritime Security Program and VISA (Voluntary Intermodal Sealift) and were set to transit the Bab el-Mandeb strait as part of a scheduled US Navy accompaniment.
The missile attack is the Houthis’ first successful launch since January 18, and comes just days after the US and the UK launched strikes against eight Houthi targets in Yemen. The US has also been trying to destroy Houthi missiles on the ground in Yemen as they see the Iran-backed militant group preparing to launch them and has successfully targeted several in recent weeks.
Vessels are advised to proceed with caution and report any suspicious activities to the UKMTO.
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