Crew members onboard a Liberian-flagged, Greek-owned ship that was attacked in the Red Sea have abandoned the vessel and were rescued, according to a British maritime agency.
The attack, which took place some 94km (51 nautical miles) southwest of the Yemeni port of Hodeidah on Sunday, was the first such incident in the vital shipping corridor since April.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said the bulk carrier Magic Seas was first “engaged by multiple small vessels” that “opened fire with small arms and self-propelled grenades”.
All of the crew abandoned the ship and were rescued by a passing merchant vessel, UKMTO said, adding that “all crew are well and safe”.
Ambrey, a private British maritime security firm, said in a separate advisory that the ship was attacked by four unmanned surface vehicles [USVs].
“Two of the USVs impacted the port side of the vessel, damaging the vessel’s cargo,” Ambrey added. The vessel Magic Seas is controlled by the company Stem Shipping.
Ambrey said the attack matched the established Houthi target profile.
A second attack on a Liberia-flagged, Greek-operated bulk carrier in the Red Sea in 24 hours has left two dead and two injured among the crew.
The ship was sailing 50 nautical miles west of the Yemeni capital, which is controlled by the Houthi rebel movement.
The vessel, Eternity C, was attacked with sea drones and skiffs off the port of Hodeidah.
The vessel is controlled by the company Cosmoship management. Two crew members were seriously wounded and two were missing, the company said, adding that armed security guards were on board.
The vessel’s bridge was hit, telecommunications had been impacted and contacting the crew was hard.
The Eternity C was en route to Jeddah in Saudi Arabia when it was struck.
“The vessel has been attacked by multiple rocket propelled grenades from small craft. Authorities are investigating.
Vessels are advised to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity to UKMTO.
The International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners (INTERCARGO) has condemned the recent armed attack on the Magic Seas, a bulk carrier operating off the coast of Yemen. The vessel reportedly came under fire from small boats, according to a bulletin issued by the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) on 6 July.
INTERCARGO represents the interests of the global dry bulk shipping sector and advocates for the safety, efficiency, and environmental performance of bulk carriers worldwide.
Chairman of INTERCARGO John Xylas said:”Seafarers are not targets. “We are deeply shocked by the attack on the Magic Seas and our thoughts are with the crew. These are innocent people, simply doing their jobs, keeping global trade moving. No one at sea should ever face such violence.
“The safety of seafarers must come first. We urge all relevant authorities to act decisively to protect those at sea and uphold international law.
“INTERCARGO stands firmly with our members and all those affected.”
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