Houthi Rebels Attack Greek-Owned Oil Tanker in the Red Sea

In a significant escalation of maritime tensions in the Red Sea, Houthi rebels, reportedly backed by Iran, struck a Greek-owned oil tanker with an anti-ship missile on Saturday. The incident occurred near the Yemeni coast, as the vessel was navigating under the Panamanian flag.

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the attack on the M/T Wind via their official X (Twitter) account.

According to CENTCOM, the missile hit the tanker around 1 AM local time, causing flooding that temporarily disabled its engines and rudder mechanism.

Houthis strike M/T Wind in Red Sea

At approximately 1 a.m. (Sanaa time) May 18, Iranian-backed Houthis launched one anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM) into the Red Sea and struck M/T Wind, a Panamanian-flagged, Greek owned and operated oil tanker.

M/T Wind most recently docked… pic.twitter.com/kDjH7TXKkm

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) May 18, 2024

Despite the severe impact, the crew managed to restore the engine and rudder functions, allowing the tanker to resume its course independently without external assistance.

“This persistent malicious and reckless behaviour by the Iran-supported Houthis threatens regional stability and endangers the lives of sailors in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden,” CENTCOM stated.

British maritime security firm Ambrey reported that the attack occurred approximately 18 kilometres southwest of the Yemeni port city of Mocha.

Greek-Owned Oil Tanker Hit by Houthi Rebels in the Red Sea

The missile strike resulted in a fire within the rudder compartment, as confirmed by Reuters. The tanker had been loaded with oil at the Russian Black Sea port of Novorossiysk and was en route to China, Ambrey added.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) confirmed that the vessel and its crew are safe and continuing towards their next port of call. This incident highlights the ongoing maritime security challenges in the region, where Houthi attacks have become increasingly frequent.

Earlier in May, U.S. forces thwarted a series of drone attacks by Houthi fighters in the waters of the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea. These attacks, occurring between 10 and 11 May, were part of a broader pattern of Houthi aggression in the area.

In a separate incident, the Italian Navy frigate Virginio Fasan intercepted and destroyed a drone in the Red Sea that was heading towards a commercial vessel under its protection.

Similarly, a Greek warship, participating in a European Union naval mission in the Red Sea, intercepted two drones launched by the Houthis targeting a commercial ship.

Since last autumn, Houthi rebels have repeatedly launched drones and missiles against commercial vessels in the Red Sea. These actions are purportedly in solidarity with Palestinians, in response to Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip.

The frequency and intensity of these attacks underscore the volatile security environment in the Red Sea, a critical artery for global maritime trade.

The involvement of international naval forces in intercepting these threats demonstrates the high stakes involved and the need for continued vigilance to ensure the safety of maritime operations in the region.

Regional Impact and International Response

The Red Sea has long been a strategic maritime corridor, connecting the Suez Canal with the Indian Ocean, and serving as a critical passage for global trade.

The increased hostilities in this region pose a significant threat not only to regional stability but also to international shipping and energy supplies.

Iran’s support for the Houthi rebels has been a point of contention, with Tehran denying direct involvement while expressing political support for the group.

The Houthis, who control significant portions of Yemen, have leveraged their strategic position along the Red Sea to disrupt shipping lanes, thereby exerting pressure on their adversaries.

The international community, particularly nations reliant on these maritime routes, has called for heightened security measures.

The European Union, the United States, and other global powers have deployed naval assets to patrol the waters and protect commercial shipping from further attacks.

Read also: 

US forces strike Houthi missile installations overnight

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