The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported an attack on Greece-flagged Bulk Carrier, SEA CHAMPION (IMO: 9299915) 100NM East of Aden, Yemen.
The Master of the vessel reported an explosion near the ship, but confirmed that the crew and vessel are safe and were continuing to their next port of call. Additional reports revealed that the SEA CHAMPION had been attacked again around 11:50 UTC, with an object impacting the water between 10 and 15 meters from the Starboard side of the ship. The UKMTO reported evidence of shrapnel and damage to the vessel's paintwork, and there are unconfirmed reports of damage to windows.
The U.S.-owned Bulk Carrier (New York-based MKM Chartering) was carrying corn from Argentina to Aden, and arrived in the southern Yemeni port on Tuesday.
This attack comes less than a day after the Houthi attack on the British-owned, Belize-flagged Bulk Carrier RUBYMAR, which was hit by missiles in the Gulf of Aden on Sunday, requiring her crew to evacuate onto another vessel.
This incident is currently under investigation by authorities. 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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