📷 Image Credits: The Guardian
In a recent incident in the Red Sea, Yemen’s Houthi militants carried out an attack on Tutor, a Greek-owned vessel, leaving it unable to manoeuvre. The strike caused severe flooding and damage to the engine room, forcing the crew to abandon the coal carrier. According to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), the crew has been evacuated, but one member remains missing. The attack, which took place near the port of Hodeidah in Yemen, has raised concerns about the safety of maritime travel in the region.
The Iran-aligned Houthis have claimed responsibility for the missile strike on Tutor, as well as another vessel named Verbena in the Gulf of Aden. This is part of a series of attacks by the militants, targeting ships in the Red Sea, the Bab al-Mandab Strait, and the Gulf of Aden. The attacks have significantly disrupted global shipping, affecting major energy and shipping companies along with at least 65 countries.
The missing crew member from Tutor is believed to be trapped in the engine room, as efforts are underway to locate and rescue them. The Philippine authorities are coordinating with the UKMTO to ensure the safe return of the crew members, most of whom are Filipino nationals. Meanwhile, the Greek-based manager of Tutor, Evalend Shipping, has not provided any comments on the incident.
The Houthis’ actions have prompted international condemnation, with calls for enhanced maritime security in the region. The International Maritime Organisation’s secretary general, Arsenio Dominguez, has expressed concern over the escalating attacks on commercial vessels. Various incidents involving the Houthis, including the hijacking of a vehicle-carrier and the sinking of a bulk carrier, have raised alarm bells among the maritime community.
As tensions continue to rise in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, stakeholders are urging immediate action to address the security threats posed by the Houthi militants. The disruption caused by these attacks not only affects the shipping industry but also has broader implications for international trade and regional stability. The situation remains fluid, with efforts underway to safeguard the interests of seafarers and mitigate the risks associated with navigating these volatile waters.
