Tanker reports explosion off Yemen's Aden, crew safe: UKMTO
Aden, Aug 6
A tanker reported hearing a loud explosion nearby while sailing in the Gulf of Aden off Yemen's southern coast, the latest incident amid heightened maritime tensions following a renewed Houthi campaign against shipping.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said on social media platform X on Wednesday (local time) that the incident occurred about 95 nautical miles southeast of Aden.
"The Master of a tanker reported hearing a loud explosion in close proximity to the vessel," it said, adding that all crew are safe.
Residents in Mukayras, a Houthi-controlled area in central Yemen's al-Bayda province, told Xinhua news agency they have received information indicating the Houthis had launched a missile from the area toward the Gulf of Aden.
It remains unclear whether the two incidents were connected, and the Houthis have not immediately claimed responsibility.
The development comes amid escalating tensions between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia.
Earlier on Monday (local time), a cargo vessel reported that it had been hit by an unknown projectile off the coast of Oman.
According to a UKMTO advisory, the incident occurred earlier on Monday in waters about 20 nautical miles northeast of Al Khasab, Oman, near the eastern entrance to the Strait of Hormuz.
The UKMTO also mentioned that the cargo vessel reported via VHF radio that it had been struck by an unknown projectile, the warning noted.
The UKMTO advised vessels transiting the area to exercise caution and report any suspicious activity to the agency.
On July 20, the Houthis announced a maritime ban on Saudi-linked shipping in the Red Sea, citing an alleged Saudi blockade on Houthi-held areas.
The group has also claimed multiple attacks on Saudi-linked vessels, energy sites and airports, while the Saudi-led coalition has resumed airstrikes on key Houthi military targets in Yemen.
Yemen has been mired in conflict since late 2014, when the Houthis seized much of northern Yemen, including the capital Sanaa, prompting a Saudi-led coalition to intervene in 2015 in support of the internationally recognised government.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Thank God the crew is safe! But this constant threat in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden is worrying. With so many Indian sailors employed in international shipping, this hits close to home. I just wish there was a diplomatic solution already.
Ye Gulf of Aden ka haal dekho 😔. The Houthis are becoming bolder by the day. First Saudi-linked ships, now random tankers. India should seriously consider providing naval escorts for our commercial vessels in this region. We have the capability.
It's sad to see this conflict escalating again. My thoughts are with all the crew members on those vessels. The shipping industry has been through so much lately with the Red Sea attacks and rerouting via the Cape of Good Hope. When will this madness end?
The Houthis are playing a dangerous game here. They claim it's about Saudi blockades, but innocent sailors are getting caught in the crossfire. India should raise this strongly at the UN. Our maritime security depends on stable shipping lanes.
This is concerning for global oil supply chains. With tensions rising between Houthis and Saudi Arabia, we might see further disruptions. As someone who works in logistics, I can tell you this is already affecting shipping costs worldwide. Hope cooler heads prevail.
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