Two UK maritime authorities reported on Sunday that two ships caught fire after being damaged by projectiles off the coast of Yemen's Aden. On Sunday, the British security company Ambrey reported that a general cargo ship flying the flag of Antigua and Barbuda was hit by a missile 83 nautical miles southeast of Aden and burst into flames. Later on, the fire was contained.
A report of an incident that occurred 80 nautical miles southeast of Aden was received by the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), according to a statement made earlier. "A missile struck the forward station as the ship was traveling at a speed of 8.2 knots southwest along the Gulf of Aden. Ambrey stated in an advisory letter, "A fire started but was put out.
"An more missile was seen, but it missed the ship. During the event, people on nearby small boats opened fire on the ship." The ship accelerated and changed direction to port, according to Ambrey, who also stated that "no injuries were reported."
Ambrey and the UKMTO announced separately that they had learned about an additional incident that occurred 70 nautical miles southwest of Aden. "The ship's master says that an unidentified projectile struck the aft area of the ship, causing a fire. Damage control is under progress, according to a UKMTO advisory letter.
They also stated that the ship was heading to its next port of call and that no injuries had been reported. For months, the Houthi militia, which is allied with Iran and rules the majority of Yemen's territory, has attacked ships along its coast while claiming to be supporting the Palestinians who are battling Israel in Gaza. Shippers have been forced to make more expensive and time-consuming trips around southern Africa since November due to Houthi fighters' drone and missile attacks in the Bab al-Mandab Strait and Gulf of Aden. In reaction to the attacks, the United States and Britain launched strikes against Houthi targets.
