maritime-security1.345 min read
Somali Pirates Hijack Multiple Cargo Ships Off Coast
1 year ago•Source: NBC News
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1.545 min•1 year ago
Cargo Ship Under Attack: Houthi Rebels Suspected in Red Sea Incident
A UK-registered cargo ship reported being under attack in the Bab al-Mandab Strait off Yemen, with the crew abandoning the vessel after an explosion. The ship, en route from the UAE to Bulgaria, contacted the Djiboutian Navy before returning to its previous course and speed. The UK Maritime Trade Operations received a report of an incident involving an explosion near a vessel, resulting in damage, and confirmed that the crew had abandoned the ship and were safe. The Houthi group in Yemen has been launching drone and missile attacks in the region, prompting some companies to alter shipping routes, while U.S. and British warplanes have conducted retaliatory strikes.
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"Russian Cargo Tanker and Trafigura Ship Successfully Evade Gulf of Aden Strike"
TradeWinds•1 year ago
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Houthi Attacks Disrupt US-flag Operations and Gas Shipments in Red Sea
Maersk has suspended its US-flagged vessels' operations in the Red Sea after two ships carrying US government cargo and under naval escort were targeted by the Houthis while transiting the Bab el Mandeb. The US Navy intercepted multiple projectiles, and the ships and crew were unharmed. This incident follows a previous attack on the Maersk Hangzhou and a claimed attack on the Ocean Jazz. The suspension is due to the escalation of risk, and experts believe the Houthi attacks may be regrouping rather than diminishing in capability.
"Maritime Strategy: China's Role in Evading Houthi Threats"
In an effort to avoid attacks by Houthi militants in the Red Sea, at least five vessels have signaled their links to China, with some indicating "all Chinese crew" in their destination field. The surge in attacks by the Houthis has led to significant disruption in the global merchant fleet, causing a plunge in Suez Canal transits. Ships are choosing to sail around Africa to avoid the Red Sea, and some are indicating no links to Israel in an attempt to avert attacks.
The Red Sea: A Battleground for Shipping and Naval Forces
Shipping companies are uncertain about the details and effectiveness of a new international navy coalition led by the United States to combat attacks in the Red Sea. The initiative, launched in response to increased attacks by Iran-backed Houthi militants on vessels in the region, aims to protect commercial shipping and maintain the crucial trade route linking Europe, North America, and Asia. However, the lack of information about the coalition's size, deployment time, rules of engagement, and protection scheme has led many shipping companies to continue avoiding the area or canceling contracts. The attacks have disrupted trade through the Suez Canal, causing container shipping costs to rise as companies seek alternative routes. The success of the coalition's efforts remains uncertain, and the shipping industry is waiting for concrete action to ensure the safety of their operations.
Cargo Ship Hijacked off Somalia Moves Closer to Coast, EU Naval Force Reports
The European Union's maritime security force has reported that a Maltese-flagged cargo ship, the Ruen, which was hijacked last week in the Arabian Sea with 18 crew members on board, has now moved towards the coast of Somalia. The hijackers remain in control of the vessel, and their identity and demands are unknown. One crew member has been evacuated for medical care. The Indian Navy, along with a Spanish frigate and a Japanese naval vessel, is monitoring the situation, and a drone is being used by the EU force for surveillance. Somali pirates are suspected to be behind the hijacking, as piracy incidents in the region have been on the rise.
Indian Navy Foils Hijacking of Malta-Flagged Vessel by Somali Pirates
The Indian Navy is closely monitoring a hijacked Malta-flagged vessel named MV Ruen, which is headed towards the coast of Somalia with armed pirates and 28 crew members on board. The Navy responded swiftly to the distress call and diverted a warship and a maritime patrol aircraft to locate and assist the hijacked vessel. The situation is being closely monitored in coordination with other agencies and the multi-national force in the area. The safety of the crew is of utmost importance, and a Spanish warship has also joined the Indian one in the area. The Indian Navy remains committed to being a first responder in the region and ensuring the safety of merchant shipping.
Shipping Giants Halt Red Sea Travel as Houthi Attacks Escalate
Shipping companies Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk have temporarily halted travel through the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait due to attacks by Iranian-backed Houthi militants from Yemen. The attacks, targeting vessels headed for Israel, have raised concerns about the safety of seafarers. Maersk, the world's second-largest container shipping company, will divert ships away from the area, while Hapag-Lloyd will pause all container ship traffic through the Red Sea. Israel-based carrier ZIM has rerouted vessels to avoid the Arabian and Red Seas, adding significant travel time and fuel costs. The World Shipping Council has called for decisive action to protect seafarers, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding freedom of navigation. Discussions are ongoing to form a maritime task force to ensure safe passage in the Red Sea.
Multiple Ships Boarded by Pirates in Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean, Spanish Warship Investigating Possible Hijacking
A Spanish navy warship is en route to investigate a suspected pirate attack off the coast of Somalia, after receiving an alert about the Maltese-flagged commercial vessel Ruen potentially being hijacked. If confirmed, this would be the first successful hijacking by Somali pirates since 2017. The Spanish warship Victoria has been dispatched to gather more information and evaluate further actions, while EUNAVFOR is coordinating with international naval forces. British maritime security company Ambrey believes the Ruen has been hijacked, and a member of a pirate group in Somalia claims that six pirates have captured a ship and are bringing it to the coast of Puntland.
"Red Sea Explosion Alert: Britain's Maritime Agency Raises Concerns"
Britain's Maritime Trade Operations agency (UKMTO) has reported potential drone activity and a possible explosion in the Red Sea's Bab al-Mandab strait, originating from Yemen. Vessels in the area have been advised to exercise caution. This incident follows a series of attacks in Middle Eastern waters since the outbreak of war between Israel and Hamas. The Houthi group, an ally of Iran controlling Yemen's Red Sea coast, had previously targeted Israeli vessels. No immediate comment has been received from the Houthis regarding this incident.
"Rising Fears of Piracy Resurgence Prompt Heightened Patrols by Somali Maritime Police in Gulf of Aden"
Somalia's maritime police force has increased patrols in the Gulf of Aden following a failed pirate hijacking of a ship earlier this week. The commander of the maritime force in Puntland, Abdullahi Mohamed Ahmed, stated that patrols have doubled and are on a 24-hour rotation to deter pirates. The Somali government has appealed for international support to prevent a resurgence of piracy in the region, as they are currently receiving no assistance from the African Union Mission in Somalia, the European Union, or any other international entities.
Growing Concerns Over Ship Safety in the Red Sea
The US has issued a warning to vessel operators about evolving threats in the Red Sea region following a spate of attacks on merchant shipping near Yemen and Somalia. Recent incidents, including the seizure of the Galaxy Leader car carrier by Houthis and the targeting of a Liberia-flagged chemicals tanker, have raised concerns about the sophistication of the attacks. Shipowners are alarmed by the use of helicopters, drones, and cruise missiles, which are not typically seen in anti-piracy scenarios. The attacks pose a risk to the critical trade route between Europe and Asia via the Suez Canal, and insurers may increase premiums for ships sailing through the area. Some Israeli-controlled vessels have already started avoiding the region due to the heightened risk.