A merchant ship, identified as the Marshall Islands-flagged bulk carrier Laax, was targeted by three missiles off the coast of Yemen, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) centre. The ship, which is managed by a Greek company, sustained damage in the assault and began taking on water.
The UKMTO reported that the vessel experienced “an impact in the water in close proximity to the vessel” and confirmed that the crew were safe. The ship is now heading to the port of Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates for further assessment and repairs.
British security firm Ambrey, which reported the incident, stated that the vessel’s cargo hold was damaged in the missile attack, causing the ship to take on water and tilt to one side. The attack occurred 54 nautical miles southwest of Hodeidah, Yemen.
This incident is part of a broader pattern of attacks by Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis, who have launched repeated drone and missile strikes in the Red Sea region since November. These attacks have recently expanded to the Indian Ocean, with the Houthis claiming they are acting in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.
The maritime security situation in the Red Sea has been increasingly volatile, with the Houthis’ actions raising significant concerns for commercial shipping routes in the area. The escalation of attacks poses a threat to international maritime trade and highlights the ongoing conflict’s broader implications for regional stability.
The damaged ship, Laax, managed to avoid sinking and is making its way to Fujairah, where it will undergo repairs. The crew’s safety has been a priority, and the swift response to the distress call helped ensure that no lives were lost in the incident.
As the ship continues its journey to Fujairah, authorities on both sides are closely monitoring the situation, and further updates are expected as more information becomes available.