A civilian mariner remains missing in the Red Sea after the crew of a cargo carrier was struck by Houthi militants, causing severe flooding and damage to the engine room. The crew abandoned ship and was rescued by US and partner forces, but the ship, named the M/V Tutor, is still in the Red Sea and taking on water. The UK Maritime Trade Operations reported that the ship is drifting from its last known position.
In a separate incident on Thursday, Iran-backed Houthi militants targeted another cargo ship, the M/V Verbena, in the Gulf of Aden with two missile attacks that severely injured a civilian mariner and caused fires on board. The wounded mariner was evacuated by aircraft from a nearby US warship, while the crew of the Palauan-flagged, Ukrainian-owned, Polish-operated cargo ship managed to extinguish the fires and continue on their route.
CENTCOM issued a statement condemning the actions of the Houthi militants, calling their behavior reckless and threatening to regional stability. They highlighted the fact that the attacks put the lives of mariners in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden at risk and hinder the delivery of much-needed assistance to the people of Yemen and Gaza. The Houthis claim to be acting on behalf of Palestinians in Gaza, but their targeting of third country nationals unrelated to the conflict in Gaza is deemed unacceptable.
The Houthis have launched numerous missile and drone attacks on ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden since October, resulting in casualties and damages. Despite efforts by the US and UK to conduct strikes against the militants in Yemen to degrade their capabilities, the attacks have persisted. CENTCOM has vowed to continue working with partners to hold the Houthis accountable and diminish their military strength in the region.
The repeated attacks on commercial vessels by the Houthis pose a significant threat to international maritime trade and the safety of mariners in the region. The US has expressed concern over the ongoing danger posed by the Houthis, highlighting the need for coordinated efforts with allies to address the situation. The incidents serve as a reminder of the risks faced by civilian mariners operating in conflict zones, underscoring the importance of ensuring their safety and security at sea.
Efforts to address the destabilizing actions of the Houthis and protect shipping lanes in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden are ongoing. The international community, including the US and UK, remains committed to upholding the principles of maritime security and ensuring the free flow of commerce through these vital waterways. The incidents highlight the need for continued vigilance and cooperation among nations to address threats to maritime trade and safeguard the lives of those who navigate these waters.
