UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has reported an attack on the Palauan-flagged, Ukrainian-owned, Polish-operated General Cargo vessel VERBENA (IMO: 9522075) 98NM East of Aden, Yemen in the Gulf of Aden on 13 June 2024.
While delivering timber from Malaysia to Italy, two anti-ship ballistic missiles (ASBM) reportedly hit the VERBENA on the Starboard side of the Main Deck in a cargo bay above the waterline, resulting in a fire in Cargo Bay 2. UKMTO subsequently reported that at 16:20 UTC on the same day, the vessel was again struck by a third projectile, causing additional minor damage.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that the VERBANA had “reported damage and subsequent fires on board. The crew continues to fight the fire. One civilian mariner was severely injured during the attack. Aircraft from USS Philippine Sea (CG-58) medically evacuated the injured mariner to a partner force ship nearby for medical attention.”
Some open-source reports indicate that a merchant vessel had made a radio distress call saying it had been struck by a missile.
At 12:27UTC on June 15th, the crew of the VERBENA evacuated the ship, resulting in the vessel being abandoned and no longer under command. The vessel is now reportedly drifting in the vicinity of 11°47’36”N 043°37’12”E, approximately 30NM Northeast of Djibouti, and is reported to be unlit. The Master has reported that the vessel is still on fire and sinking.
The authority for NAVAREA IX has been informed, and further guidance on NAVWARNs related to this vessel should be sought from that authority. Authorities are currently investigating the incident.
All vessels in the area are advised to proceed with caution and to report any suspicious activities to the UKMTO.
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