Suspected Houthi Attack Targets Merchant Vessel in the Red Sea Near Yemeni Coast – Carrier Takes on Water, Forcing Crew To Abandon the Ship (VIDEO)

For the first time since the US-Houthis deal was announced in May, a merchant vessel has been attacked in the Red Sea near the Yemeni port of Al-Hudaydah.

Yesterday (6), the Magic Seas, a Greek-operated bulk carrier, was first hit by small arms gunfire, then attacked with drones and missiles in the Red Sea.

The vessel’s crew were forced to abandon the vessel and were rescued by a passing ship, maritime security firms said, in an attack confirmed by UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) and resembling an action of Houthi militants.

Reuters reported:

“The assault, off the southwest coast of Yemen, on the Liberian-flagged vessel Magic Seas, was the first such incident reported in the vital shipping corridor since mid-April.

The ship was first targeted by gunfire and self-propelled grenades launched from eight small boats, with armed security on the ship returning fire, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) and British security firm Ambrey said in advisories.

Officials at maritime security company Diaplous and Ambrey, in a separate advisory, said the ship was later attacked by four Unmanned Surface Vehicles and targeted with missiles.”

Two of the maritime drones hit the ship, damaging the cargo and resulting in a fire onboard.

“The boat had taken on water and its crew were forced to abandon it, maritime security sources said. […] All crew were safe after being rescued by a passing merchant vessel, UKMTO said.”

While no group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack, the Magic Seas meets the ‘established Houthi target profile’.

Watch: Magic Seas sinking in the Red Sea after intense confrontation with armed Yemeni speedboats and drone and missile attack.

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