Explosions near two ships off Yemen

Last update: 12:12 PM

Explosions occurred near two commercial vessels off the coast of Yemen today, two maritime security agencies said, adding that there were no injuries or damage.

The UK Maritime Safety Agency (UKMTO) said the ship reported an “explosion at some distance” at dawn in the waters 64 nautical miles southwest of the Houthi-held Yemeni city of Hodeidah. The ship said it then saw a “small vessel acting suspiciously” and then heard a second explosion.

The UKMTO later said the ship was “attacked by a drone, which was successfully neutralised”.

“The ship and its crew are fine and the ship is continuing on its way to its next port,” he added.

The AMBER maritime security agency also reported the explosion, and did not identify the targeted vessel but said it “had a close relationship with the Houthi target bank.”

No one immediately claimed responsibility for the attack, but it follows attacks by Iranian-backed Yemeni rebels since November, who say they are acting in solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza war, which erupted on October 7 after a Hamas attack on Israel.

Another explosion was reported today “some distance away” from a vessel 97 nautical miles northwest of Hodeidah, causing no injuries or damage, according to UKMTO and AMBREY.

The Houthi attacks have caused problems for maritime traffic in this strategic region, through which 12% of global trade passes, and prompted the United States to create an international maritime coalition to “protect” shipping.

US and British forces also launched strikes on rebel positions in Yemen.

Source: AMPE