Leading industry groups called on Wednesday for immediate urgent action in the Red Sea to stop Yemeni Houthi attacks on merchant shipping, following the sinking of a second ship, Arab media reported.
The Iran-backed Houthis first launched drone and missile strikes on an important trade route in November in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. In more than 70 attacks, they also seized one ship and its crew and killed at least three sailors. The world’s top shipping associations said in a joint statement:
“It is deplorable that innocent seafarers are being attacked while simply performing their jobs, vital jobs which keep the world warm, fed, and clothed. These attacks must stop now. We call for states with influence in the region to safeguard our innocent seafarers and for the swift de-escalation of the situation in the Red Sea.”
The Greek-owned coal ship Tutor, attacked by Yemeni Houthi militants in the Red Sea last week, has sunk, rescuers confirmed on Wednesday. The ship was hit by rockets and an explosive-laden remote-controlled boat, sources said.
International naval forces have been deployed to provide mainly defensive support to ships still passing through the Red Sea, but attacks have increased significantly.
Insurance industry sources said on Wednesday that there is growing concern about the Houthis’ use of unmanned boats. One industry source said:
“They are harder to defend against and potentially more lethal as they strike the waterline. Missiles have – to date – mainly caused deck and superstructure damage (to ships).”
Challenge for commercial shipping
According to Munro Anderson, head of operations at Vessel Protect, a Pen Underwriting company specialising in marine war risks and ship insurance, there were 10 Houthi strikes in June, up from five in May. He added:
“The first successful use of an unmanned surface vessel represents a new challenge for commercial shipping within an already complex environment.”
Meanwhile, the Houthis have attacked Israel for the first time jointly with the Iraqis. The first joint attack with the Iraqis against the Israelis was reported by Yahya Saree, a military spokesman for Yemen’s Houthis, the Ansar Allah movement. Ships carrying supplies for Israel were hit, he said.
Numerous attacks by the Houthis have forced shipping companies to divert ships from the Red Sea and Suez Canal to a longer route around the southern tip of Africa, delaying shipments and increasing the cost of goods.
