A cargo ship flying the flag of Belize and registered in the UK has been deserted off the coast of Yemen following an assault by the Houthi movement.
The vessel, named Rubymar, was sailing through the Gulf of Aden and nearing the Bab al-Mandab Strait when it was hit by missiles, according to security firms.
“The ship was struck by missiles fired by the Houthi movement, causing significant damage and leading to a dangerous situation as the vessel started taking on water,” stated the security firms.
The UK government condemned the attack as “reckless” and confirmed that allied naval ships were already present in the area to assist.
This incident marks one of the most severe attacks perpetrated by the Iran-backed Houthis and underscores the ongoing challenges faced by Western forces in deterring such assaults.
Since mid-November, the Houthis have launched numerous missiles and drones at merchant ships and Western military vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
They claim these actions are in solidarity with Palestinians amid the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
The attacks have prompted many shipping companies to avoid using the critical waterway, which constitutes approximately 12% of global maritime trade routes.
In response to the escalating situation, US and British forces initiated airstrikes on military targets in Houthi-controlled western Yemen.
Reports from the UK Maritime Trade Operations agency indicated that the Rubymar experienced an explosion in close vicinity, prompting the crew to abandon ship for safety.
According to maritime security firm Ambrey, the Rubymar sustained damage from two missile strikes in the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
“The vessel’s crew has been safely evacuated, and efforts are underway to address the damage and secure the vessel,” stated a spokesperson for Rubymar’s security firm.
The Djibouti Port Authority coordinated the safe return of the Rubymar’s crew, comprising individuals from Syria, Egypt, the Philippines, and India.
Concerns have been raised regarding the vessel’s cargo, which includes nearly 22 tons of highly explosive fertilizer.
The exact location of the Rubymar in the Bab al-Mandab Strait remains uncertain.
Despite the attack, there were no reported casualties among the crew, and nearby coalition vessels, including HMS Richmond, continued to patrol the region to safeguard commercial shipping.
The incident highlights the ongoing security threats faced by vessels navigating through volatile regions, with fears of further attacks looming over international waters.