Commercial vessel reports projectile attack off Saudi Red Sea coast

A Liberia-flagged Israeli-owned tanker reported a nearby explosion from an unidentified projectile while sailing close to Yanbu, Saudi Arabia, according to UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) on Sunday.

The crew witnessed a splash near the vessel and heard a loud blast, but all members were confirmed safe, and the tanker continued its journey, the vessel’s master reported to authorities.

UKMTO said the incident occurred roughly 46 miles (40 nautical miles) southwest of Yanbu. Officials are investigating, urging ships in the area to remain cautious and report any suspicious activity.

While no attacker has been identified, the region has seen repeated attacks on commercial shipping by Yemen’s Houthi group. Since November 2023, the Houthis have launched missile and drone strikes on Israeli targets and vessels in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Arabian Sea.

These maritime attacks have disrupted global shipping routes, prompting some vessels to reroute around Africa instead of passing through the Red Sea corridor.

The latest incident follows a Houthi confirmation that its Prime Minister Ahmed Ghalib Al-Rahawi and several ministers were killed in an Israeli strike on Sanaa on Thursday.

Copied