World News
UK Reports New Ship Attack in Red Sea
A new attack on a commercial ship has been reported in the Red Sea, according to a British government agency monitoring maritime security in the region.
The ship came under attack about 27 nautical miles south of Al Mukha at 6:06 PM UTC on Thursday, the UK Maritime Trade Operations agency said in a social media post.
"UKMTO has been informed by the master of two explosions in close proximity to the vessel," the agency said.
"No damage reported, all crew are safe, vessel proceeding to next port of call."
Commercial ships operating near Yemen have been coming under attack from the country's Houthi movement over the past seven months in a response to the conflict in Gaza.
Several leading shipping companies have been avoiding the region altogether, taking longer routes around Africa rather than using the Suez Canal. This is likely to deliver a significant boost to bunker demand and freight markets while the current situation continues.