A vessel caught fire on Saturday in the Gulf of Aden off the coast of Yemen after being struck by an unknown projectile, according to the British military. Reports indicate that the crew was preparing to abandon the ship as a search-and-rescue effort commenced. This incident highlights ongoing tensions in the region, particularly involving the Houthi rebels.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) issued a maritime security alert describing the event, which occurred approximately 210 kilometers (130 miles) east of Aden. The UKMTO stated, “A vessel has been hit by an unknown projectile, resulting in a fire,” adding that authorities are actively investigating the situation.
The maritime security firm Ambrey identified the ship as the Falcon, a Cameroon-flagged tanker en route from Sohar, Oman, to Djibouti. Radio communications suggested that the crew was getting ready to abandon the vessel, prompting immediate rescue operations. The Falcon is known to transport liquefied petroleum gas and has previously been linked to an Iranian “ghost fleet,” which operates in defiance of international sanctions, as noted by the pressure group United Against Nuclear Iran.
While the Houthi rebels have not immediately claimed responsibility for this attack, their history of targeting maritime vessels has raised concerns. Their recent activities have garnered international attention, particularly amidst the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. The Houthis have stated that their actions aim to compel Israel to cease hostilities, although no attacks have been officially claimed since a ceasefire began on October 10.
In the past, Houthi assaults on shipping in the region have proven deadly, resulting in at least nine mariner fatalities and the sinking of four vessels. These actions have disrupted shipping lines in the Red Sea, through which approximately $1 trillion of goods transit annually. The last reported attack involved a Dutch-flagged cargo ship, the Minervagracht, on September 29, which left one crew member dead and another injured.
The Houthis have also escalated their threats against Saudi Arabia and taken numerous personnel from United Nations agencies and other humanitarian organizations as captives, alleging without evidence that they were spies. This claim has been vigorously denied by the United Nations and other international bodies.
As investigations into the latest incident continue, the implications for maritime security in the region remain significant. Both the shipping industry and military authorities are closely monitoring developments in response to the increasing volatility in the Gulf of Aden and the broader Red Sea corridor.
