DUBAI: The crew of a industrial vessel within the Purple Sea off Yemen was compelled to desert ship Sunday (Jul 6) after it was hit by rocket-propelled grenades and different ordnance within the newest assault within the important transport lane, screens stated.
The incident occurred 51 nautical miles (94 kilometres) southwest of the Yemeni port of Hodeidah, the UK Maritime Commerce Operations (UKMTO) stated in its preliminary bulletin, later reporting a hearth on board after the ship was hit by unknown projectiles.
The monitor, which is run by Britain’s Royal Navy, subsequently stated a safety officer reported “all crew have now deserted ship and are awaiting help”.
UKMTO had beforehand stated the ship was attacked by a number of skiffs.
“The vessel has been engaged by a number of small vessels who’ve opened fireplace with small arms and self-propelled grenades. (The) armed safety workforce have returned fireplace and state of affairs is ongoing,” it stated.
UK-based safety agency Ambrey earlier reported that the service provider ship was struck by two naval drones, “damaging the vessel’s cargo”, whereas two different unmanned vessels have been repelled.
Hodeidah is managed by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels, and although nobody has claimed accountability for the assault, Ambrey stated the vessel matched “the established Houthi goal profile”.
Earlier Ambrey reported the ship “was approached and attacked by eight skiffs whereas transiting northbound within the Purple Sea”.
