FALCON POWERS – Major shipping groups said on Wednesday that urgent action must be taken in the Red Sea to stop attacks by Yemen’s Houthi group on commercial vessels, after a second ship sank.
In November, the Iran-aligned Houthi group began targeting ships in the Red Sea with drones and missiles, saying it was in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. The group has also seized one ship and detained its crew, killing at least three sailors in more than 70 attacks.
A joint statement from the largest global shipping associations said it was “tragic that innocent seafarers are being attacked while simply doing their vital jobs that keep the world warm and fed.”
“These attacks must stop immediately. We call on states with influence in the region to protect our innocent seafarers and to urgently de-escalate the situation in the Red Sea,” the statement added.
Rescue workers confirmed on Wednesday the sinking of the coal tanker (Toutour), owned by a Greek company, after it was targeted in the Red Sea by the Houthi group last week.
Sources said the ship was hit by missiles and an explosive-laden drone boat.
International naval forces have been deployed to defend ships still sailing through the Red Sea, but the attacks have increased sharply.
Insurance sources said on Wednesday there were also growing concerns over the Houthis’ use of explosive-laden drone boats. One source said “countering them is more difficult and they are likely more deadly as they target ships from below.”
“Missiles have primarily, up to this point, caused damage to ships’ superstructures and upper hulls,” the source added.
Munro Anderson, head of operations at maritime insurance and risk specialists Vessel Protect, said the Houthis had carried out 10 attacks since the start of June, compared with five in May.
