SINGAPORE: A Singapore-flagged vessel was struck by unknown projectiles southeast of Yemen on Friday (Jul 19), mentioned the Maritime Port Authority of Singapore (MPA).
MPA was knowledgeable at about 10.30am that the container vessel LOBIVIA was hit whereas transiting the Gulf of Aden, leading to a fireplace onboard that was subsequently extinguished by the crew.
There are not any Singaporeans among the many crew, who’re all accounted for and secure, the authority mentioned.
Regardless of being hit, the LOBIVIA was in a position to set sail and had arrived at Somalia’s Berbera Port. Harm evaluation and repairs, if wanted, might be carried out.
MPA mentioned it’s involved with the vessel supervisor of the LOBIVIA to offer any help required, including that the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) has additionally alerted its safety companions within the Gulf of Aden area to offer any required help.
In accordance with the United Kingdom Maritime Commerce Operations, the LOBIVIA was hit about 83 nautical miles (154km) southeast of the port metropolis of Aden, Yemen.
“The ship was transiting northeast alongside the Gulf of Aden when a service provider vessel within the neighborhood noticed ‘gentle and blast’ the place the ship was situated,” British safety agency Ambrey added.
Ambrey mentioned the ship appeared to carry out evasive manoeuvres instantly and switched off its computerized identification system roughly an hour later.
It assessed the LOBIVIA to be aligned with the goal profile favoured by Houthi militants.
Since November, Houthi militants in Yemen have launched drone and missile strikes in transport lanes within the Crimson Sea and Gulf of Aden. The group has mentioned its actions are in solidarity with Palestinians affected by Israel’s war in Gaza.
Britain and the US have carried out retaliatory strikes since February, taking pictures down drones and bombing assault websites in Yemen.