Seafarer deaths in Houthi missile attack on commercial vessel in the Red Sea

At least four seafarers have died an escalation of the conflict between Iran-backed Houthis against government forces in Yemen and oil facilities in neighbouring Saudi Arabia, which supports the Yemeni government, and the kingdom’s shipping in the Red Sea.

Yemen’s Transport Ministry said three Pakistani nationals and one Indonesian national were killed after the Houthis fired three ballistic missiles at the Egyptian-owned Tihamah vessel off the coast of Al Mokha in the Bab el-Mandeb strait at Yemen’s southern tip, sparking a fire and causing “significant damage” to the vessel. Further missiles were fired as Yemeni security forces helped evacuate the vessel.

These are believed to be the first shipping-related deaths in the Red Sea caused by the Houthis since the US/Israeli strikes on Iran began on 28 February, signalling a widening of the threat posed to commercial shipping by the deadly Middle East conflict.

The Secretary-General of the IMO, Mr. Arsenio Dominguez, issued the following statement:

“It is with sadness and regret to know that, once again, innocent seafarers have lost their lives in an indefensible attack on international shipping. I offer my deepest condolences to the families of those involved.

“It is particularly troublesome that the most recent attack has taken place in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden area. I reiterate my call for shipowners and ship operators to thoroughly assess risks before transiting this and other regions and follow appropriate best management practices. Seafarers deserve to be protected and allowed to do their jobs in safety and security.

“These continued attacks on shipping only serve to escalate tensions and threaten global supply chains on which everyone depends.

I also urge the immediate and unconditional release of all seafarers who continue to be held captive following piracy attacks in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden region.

“Ensuring seafarer safety is a fundamental obligation under international law and a shared responsibility of the global community.”

Separately, the U.S. military said Tuesday that its forces fired on a Panamanian-flagged ship in the Gulf of Oman that tried to evade the American blockade on Iranian ports. After U.S. warnings to desist were ignored, an American helicopter fired missiles into the engine room of the M/V Vela Nova, disabling the ship. The statement did not say whether the ship’s crew suffered any casualties.