FALCON POWERS – Rescuers confirmed on Wednesday that the Greek-owned coal tanker Tur has sunk after being attacked by Houthi rebel forces in the Red Sea last week.
Sources including maritime security firms and the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) stated that the Tur vessel was hit by missiles and a remote-controlled explosive boat on June 12, causing it to take on water. The UKMTO said on Tuesday that the Tur is believed to be the second ship sunk by the Yemeni Houthis in the Red Sea since November.
The Houthis say their attacks on international shipping heading to the Suez Canal through the Red Sea are in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.
Andreas Savarese, one of the owners of the Savvaridis Group rescue, told Reuters that two rescue ships were en route to the vessel when they were informed that it had likely sunk.
Maritime forces informed vessels in the area on Tuesday afternoon that the Liberian-flagged Tur had sunk, with debris and indications of a fuel spill at the location.
Tur had a crew of 22 Filipinos aboard when it was attacked, and 21 of them were evacuated on June 14 and repatriated. The Philippine Department of Migrant Workers said one crew member is still missing, believed to have been in the engine room at the time of the attack near Yemen’s port of Hodeidah.
