A Panamanian-flagged crude oil tanker was attacked into the Red Sea, US central command said on Saturday, in the latest incident in waters where Houthi’s have targeted ships.
Yemen Houthi’s hit the crude oil tanker in the Red Sea with a ballistic missile early Saturday, damaging the Panama-flagged, Greek-owned vessel in their latest assault, officials said.
At around 1 a.m. on May 18, Iranian-backed Houthis launched one anti-ship ballistic missile into the Red Sea and struck M/T Wind, a Panamanian-flagged, Greek owned and operated oil tanker, the US Central Command said in its official website.
The missile strike caused flooding which resulted in the of loss propulsion and steering, Central Command said on the social platform X and in its website.
A coalition vessel immediately responded to the distress call by M/T Wind, but no assistance was needed.
As it is reported by the US central command, the crew of M/T Wind was able to restore propulsion and steering, and no casualties were reported. M/T Wind resumed its course under its own power.
The British maritime security firm Ambrey similarly acknowledged the attack earlier Saturday.
Ambrey said, “it was hit directly by missile.” “The Houthis have continued to extend their operations across the Indian Ocean up to the Mediterranean Sea,” it added.
It can take the Houthis hours or even days to claim their attacks.
Houthi attacks have dropped in recent weeks as they have been targeted by a U.S.-led airstrike campaign in Yemen. Shipping through the Red Sea still remains low because of the threat, however.
U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) forces successfully destroyed four uncrewed aerial system (UAS) in an Iranian-backed Houthi controlled area of Yemen on May 14. This action is one of the latest responses of the US forces against Houthis.
