Gunboats target cargo vessel in Red Sea; crew abandons ship

A commercial vessel in the Red Sea has come under attack after small boats fired rocket-propelled grenades and automatic weapons towards the ship.

According to the organisation United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), the incident took place 94km (51 nautical miles) southwest of the Yemeni port of Hodeidah.

“The vessel has been engaged by multiple small vessels who have opened fire with small arms and self-propelled grenades. [The] armed security team have returned fire and situation is ongoing,” said UKMTO, which is run by Britain’s Royal Navy.

The UKMTO said the attack resulted in a fire onboard and the vessel began taking on water Sunday night as its crew abandoned the ship.

“Authorities are investigating,” it said, adding later the ship was ablaze after being “struck by unknown projectiles”.

UKMTO later issued a statement saying the crew had been safely rescued. Maritime security sources added the vessel was identified as the Liberian-flagged, Greek-owned bulk carrier Magic Seas.

British maritime security firm Ambrey said in an advisory the ship was attacked by four unmanned surface vehicles [USVs].

“Two of the USVs impacted the port side of the vessel, damaging the vessel’s cargo,” Ambrey added.

While no one has claimed responsibility, Ambrey said the attack matched the “established Houthi target profile”.