Bulk Carrier Hit By UAV Southeast Of Aden, Crew Unharmed

The British maritime security company Ambrey and the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) organisation have received alarming reports of occurrences close to Yemen’s Aden in the past few days, published on Wednesday.

The UKMTO cautious note states that a vessel was attacked about 60 miles southeast of Aden. An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) struck the vessel on its port side, causing a fire within. Fortunately, the fire has been put out, and the crew is safe. In an updated advisory, the UKMTO stated that the vessel is moving to its next port.

Ambrey provided more information, stating that a bulk carrier flying the Marshall Islands flag was engaged in the event. While travelling east in the Gulf of Aden, the vessel was struck by a UAV around 66 miles southeast of Aden. Ambrey’s advisory indicated that the vessel’s gangway had been damaged, making it useless at the time of the report.

Houthis in Yemen, who are allied with Iran, have linked these incidents to a string of detonating drones and missiles that they have been firing at commercial vessels since November 19. According to the Houthi militants, these are protests against Israel’s military activities in Gaza.

International shipping has been severely hampered by the ongoing Houthi campaign, leading several corporations to halt transits across the Red Sea. To avoid the unstable conditions in the area, they are choosing to take the more expensive and lengthy route around the African continent. The state of affairs highlights the difficulties presented by deploying unmanned aircraft systems in acts of aggression against vessels and the broader effects that regional wars have on shipping.

Reference: MarineLink, ABC News

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