Two vessels, one a Panama-flagged oil tanker and the other a merchant ship, were attacked in the Red Sea near Yemen on Monday, according to British maritime agencies. The tanker was hit by two projectiles, confirmed military authorities, with security firm Ambrey identifying the vessel as the Blue Lagoon I. There were no reports of casualties in either attack. The tanker was struck approximately 70 nautical miles northwest of Yemen's Saleef port, as stated by Ambrey and the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). The Greek manager of the Suezmax class Blue Lagoon I, Sea Trade Marine SA, could not be reached for comment. Ambrey suggested the targeting was due to the company's association with ships that call at Israeli ports. Iran-aligned Houthi militants have been attacking international shipping near Yemen since November in support of Palestinians amid the conflict between Israel and Hamas. In a separate incident, a merchant vessel was struck by a drone about 50 nautical miles off Yemen's Hodeidah, a Red Sea port south of Saleef, as reported by Ambrey and UKMTO. The vessel is continuing on its route to the next port of call, according to UKMTO.
Text: Lara Palmer
02.09.2024
Panama-flagged oil tanker and a merchant vessel targeted in separate incidents in the Red Sea