Yemen’s Houthi movement attacked two commercial ships in the Red Sea on Monday, the Iran-backed group said, the latest in a surge of attacks.
Yemeni Armed Forces spokesperson Yahya Sare’e identified the vessels as the MSC Clara and Swan Atlantic, and said the attacks were carried out against two ships linked to the Zionist entity.
“The naval forces of the Yemeni Armed Forces carried out a specific military operation against two ships linked to the Zionist entity. The first was the oil carrier “Swan Atlantic”, and the other was the “MSC Clara” ship, carrying containers,” noted Yahya Sare’e in a short statement today.
The ship´s owner of Swan Atlantic had no Israeli ties, various media reported earlier today.
Uni-Tankers, as commercial managers of the chemical/oil product tanker Swan Atlantic, confirmed today the incident and reported that earlier this morning the vessel was hit on its port side by an unidentified object whilst transiting the southern part of the Red Sea on passage to Reunion Island.
As a result of the impact the Swan Atlantic suffered from a small fire which has been brought under control by the crew.
All seafarers onboard the vessel are reported to be safe.
Managers are in close contact with the relevant authorities and military assistance is now in the area providing all necessary support.
Swan Atlantic which is carrying a cargo of vegetable oils has meanwhile proceeded its voyage south.
Uni-Tankers said the company remains in close contact with the vessel’s owner and technical managers, offering them all possible support with the safety of all seafarers onboard at all times remaining the highest priority.
United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said it had received a report earlier today that a vessel experienced an explosion on its port side, without naming the vessel.
“Reported attack occurred 24NM North West port Mokha, Yemen,” UKMTO noted.
