A recently received report has detailed an attack on a Panamanian-flagged Tanker 63NM Southwest of Hodeidah, Yemen.
The Captain of a nearby ship confirmed three missiles were fired at the Crude Oil Tanker. The first two missiles landed in the water close to the vessel, while the third struck the port side of the main deck. The Tanker suffered minor damage, but no smoke or fire was been reported.
The vessel and crew are reported to be safe, and military authorities are responding to the incident.
Ongoing attacks against commercial shipping has continued to escalate within the region. Attacks vary from UAS stalking, kinetic strikes, small boat attacks, hijackings, to missile attacks. While coalition vessels within the Red Sea/Gulf of Aden area of operations (AO) have increased efforts to deter attacks, continued strikes on international shipping demonstrate need for caution when transiting the region.
Successful deterrence and prevention methods have included onboard Armed Security Teams (AST), and close proximity to, and communication with, coalition warships patrolling the AO.
The Castor Vali team will continue to provide updates and analysis to support informed decision-making in navigating these waters.
Vessels are advised to proceed with caution and report any suspicious activities to the UKMTO.
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