UK Reports New Ship Attack in Red Sea

by Ship & Bunker News Team
Wednesday June 5, 2024

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 50 nautical miles south-west of Al Shuqaiq at 2:30 PM UTC on Wednesday, the UK Maritime Trade Operations agency said in a social media post.

"The master of a merchant vessel reported a significant explosion a short distance from the port side of the vessel," the agency said.

"On inspection no damage was found, vessel and crew are reported safe and are continuing to its 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.