Shocking images show tanker catches fire by Houthi missile

A petroleum products tanker vessel operated on behalf of Trafigura, was struck by a missile in the Gulf of Aden after transiting the Red Sea on Friday 26.

Dramatic images of the Houthi strike on the 2018-built Marshall-flagged ship Marlin Luanda were released by the Indian Navy on Saturday evening.

The incident happened 60 nautical miles southeast of Aden in Yemen, according to UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).

From the shocking footage released by the Indian navy someone can see clearly the firefighting efforts onboard the ship and the video.

“A vessel has been struck and is currently on fire. They are requiring assistance,” UKMTO reported on Friday.

Trafigura confirmed on Saturday afternoon the fire in one cargo tank on the starboard side had been extinguished and the 110,000 dwt vessel has been directed to sail to a safe harbour.

The entire crew is safe and no further ships operating on behalf of Trafigura are currently transiting the Gulf of Aden, the commodities trader added.

The spokesperson of the Yemeni armed forces Yahya Saree called the Marlin Luanda a “British” tanker and said the attack was in support “of the oppressed Palestinian people” and in response “to the American-British aggression against our country”.

“We would like to recognise the exceptional dedication and bravery of the ship’s master and crew who managed to control the fire in highly difficult circumstances,” Trafigura said, adding the firefighting effort had been supported by Indian, US and French navy vessels.

The Indian Navy said it responded to the distress call, adding 22 Indians were part of the crew along with one Bangladeshi.

The firefighting efforts onboard the distressed merchant vessel is being augmented by the NBCD team along with firefighting equipment, deployed by Indian navy’s guided missile destroyer, INS Visakhapatnam to assist the crew onboard the ship Marlin Luanda, the navy reported on Saturday.

Trafigura explained that it continues to assess carefully the risks involved in any voyage, including in respect of security and safety of the crew, together with shipowners and customers.