Houthis Claim Responsibility for Red Sea Attack on Bulker

On June 27, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported an attack on a commercial vessel transiting the Red Sea. The Iranian-backed Houthis also claimed responsibility for an assault on a ship in the same area.

According to UKMTO, the incident occurred 83 nautical miles southwest of Al Hudaydah, Yemen. A waterborne improvised explosive device was used in the attack. UKMTO has yet to confirm any damage to the vessel. There were no casualties reported, and the ship continued its journey to its next port of call. Military authorities are currently investigating the details of the attack.

In a statement yesterday, a spokesperson for the Houthi militants claimed responsibility for the attack on the bulk carrier Seajoy. He stated that multiple missiles, drones, and an uncrewed surface boat (USB) were used to achieve a direct and accurate hit on the vessel.

The Houthis spokesperson asserted that the Malta-registered ship was targeted because it had visited an Israeli port, which violates the Houthis' prohibition against making port calls at Israeli ports.

Seajoy, a bulk carrier built in 2000, is owned by Sage Shipping Ltd., Malta. The vessel departed from Singapore Anchorage on June 12 and was scheduled to arrive at Port Durban, South Africa, on June 27.