The situation for ships sailing in the Red Sea appears to be increasingly dire. On Monday, Houthi rebels claimed a "disastrous" attack on a vessel in the region, causing severe damage that necessitated the evacuation of all crew members.
Citing CNBC International on Tuesday (20/2/2024), the attack occurred off the coast of Yemen, precisely in the Bab el-Mandeb strait. The vessel, identified as the British-owned cargo ship Rubymar, was reportedly on the brink of sinking despite all crew members being rescued.
Houthi spokesman Yahya Sare'e confirmed the incident, emphasizing the severe damage sustained by the vessel.
"The ship suffered severe damage and came to a complete stop," stated Houthi spokesperson Sare'e. "Due to the extensive damage, the vessel is now at risk of sinking in the Gulf of Aden. During the operation, we ensured the safe evacuation of the ship's crew," he added.
According to data from VesselFinder and MarineTraffic, the ship was sailing under the flag of Belize. Rubymar, as per MarineTraffic data, was voyaging from Ras al-Khair in Saudi Arabia to Varna, Bulgaria.
Meanwhile, global maritime risk experts Ambrey Analytics reported that the vessel was still afloat around 8:00 am London time. However, it had indeed deviated from its course and slowed down.
"The partially laden vessel briefly slowed from ten to six knots and deviated from its route, contacting the Djibouti Navy before returning to its original course and speed," stated Ambrey Analytics in a private note to its clients, explaining that there were swift reports indicating that three missile attacks were observed en route to the Bab el-Mandeb.
Houthi's attacks on vessels in the Red Sea serve as a protest against Israel's attacks on Gaza, Palestine. Foreign vessels, particularly those associated with Israel and its allies the United States (US) and Britain, have been targeted.
The escalating attacks by the Houthi group have paralyzed maritime traffic through the Red Sea, which accounts for approximately 12% of global maritime transit. Several shipping companies, including the Danish giant Maersk and oil companies, have halted navigation through the Red Sea or altered ship routes to take longer and more expensive paths around the Cape of Good Hope.
Crude oil and oil product trading are particularly vulnerable, given the significant presence of major producers in the Middle East. Yesterday, Brent crude contracts for April delivery traded at US$83.15 per barrel, while next month's WTI stood at US$79.05.
The hostilities have also led to skirmishes between Houthi forces and US and British troops. Sare'e stated that Houthi also shot down a US drone in Hodeidah on Sunday.
In a separate incident, Ambrey Analytics issued a warning informing that on Monday, they became aware of an unnamed US-flagged bulk carrier requesting military assistance amid "missile attacks" east of the port city of Aden, Yemen. However, this report has yet to be confirmed.