Vessel on fire in Red Sea after projectile strike southeast of Aden

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported on 29 September that the master of the unidentified vessel observed a splash and smoke in the distance, astern of the ship. The incident occurred approximately 128 nautical miles from Aden.

In its latest update, the UKMTO stated that military authorities reported the vessel had been hit by an unknown projectile and was on fire. Investigations into the incident are ongoing.

Citing British maritime security firm Ambrey, Reuters reported that a Dutch-flagged general cargo vessel was the target.

Earlier, on 23 September, the UKMTO announced that a vessel master reported a splash and explosion sound around 120 nautical miles from Aden. Both the vessel and crew were reportedly continuing safely to the next port of call.

Reuters and other major international outlets reported that it was not immediately clear whether the attack was carried out by the Houthis, who have launched numerous strikes on vessels in the Red Sea since 2023. 

Yemen’s rebel regime stated in August that it is targeting an unnamed group of 64 commercial shipowners with attacks on vessels within range of Houthi weapons. In the last major incident, two merchant vessels were sunk in July, resulting in seafarer fatalities.

Earlier this month, the US imposed its largest sanctions action to date against the Houthis, designating 32 individuals and entities and targeting four oil tankers.

LPG carrier incident

In a related development, Pakistani Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi reported on X on 27 September that an LPG tanker with 27 crew members, including 24 Pakistanis, was attacked by an Israeli drone while docked at a Houthi-controlled port on 17 September.

The minister claimed that Houthi boats subsequently detained the vessel and its crew, holding them hostage aboard the ship. The tanker and crew have since been released and have left Yemeni waters.