Watch: Houthi-Launched Explosive-Laden USV Destroyed By Armed Guards On Cargo Ship In Red Sea

The Liberian-flagged containership M/V Pumba was targeted by an uncrewed surface vessel (USV) suspected of carrying explosives in the Red Sea on July 20, 2024.

Fortunately, the vessel’s armed security personnel successfully repelled the attack, preventing substantial damage.

The security team aboard the M/V Pumba engaged the USV from a few hundred yards away, firing nearly two dozen shots from Steyr rifles in 14 seconds.

The USV exploded approximately 30 meters (99 feet) off the ship’s port side, causing no damage to the vessel.

Maritime security experts applauded the response, stating that the security staff efficiently adhered to standard operating procedures (SOPs).

The Houthis’ spokesperson claimed responsibility for the attack, referring to the Pumba as an American ship.

WILD FOOTAGE

A team of armed Guards aboard a commercial cargo ship in the southern Red Sea successfully destroyed a one-way surface drone launched by the Houthi terrorist group in western Yemen. pic.twitter.com/wFcVhKKjcn

— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) July 23, 2024

Video Credits: Open Source Intel/X

According to Equasis data, the M/V Pumba is a Liberian-flagged vessel owned by Sea Lead Shipping, a Singapore-based company.

The attack started about 7 a.m. local time, approximately 64 nautical miles northwest of Al Mukha, Yemen.

An aerial drone explosion occurred between five and ten meters (16.5 to 33 ft) off the starboard side of the Pumba, causing minor damage and fire that was quickly controlled.

The Houthis then launched numerous missiles and approached with three skiffs, two crewed and one uncrewed.

A Houthi missile exploded around five meters off the starboard side, causing no substantial damage, while a second missile exploded before it reached the ship.

Another missile hit the water around 100 meters (330 feet) off the Pumba’s starboard side, leaving a hole about six meters (20 feet) above the waterline on the stern. However, it did not affect the ship’s stability or cause any pollution problems.

The Pumba incurred minor damage, and no injuries were recorded. Following the attacks, the ship sailed to its next port of call.

Reference: The War Zone

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