A cargo ship sailing off the coast of Yemen was targeted by unidentified projectiles. British maritime authorities said the vessel was damaged 40 nautical miles southeast of Al-Mukha, causing serious damage to its hull.
Vessels urged to exercise caution
Authorities launched an investigation after the incident. Commercial vessels in the area were urged to exercise caution while sailing and report any suspicious activity.
No group or organization has claimed responsibility for the attack on the vessel.
A crew member killed in the Strait of Hormuz
On the same day, another vessel transiting the Strait of Hormuz was also targeted by an unidentified projectile, killing one crew member.
The vessel had previously sustained material damage, and one crew member was injured. The injured crew member later died.
Regional tensions disrupt maritime shipping
Maritime shipping in the Strait of Hormuz has faced prolonged disruption due to military tensions between the United States and Iran. Attacks targeting commercial vessels have also affected global energy supplies.
The United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran on February 28, while Iran retaliated with attacks on Israel and US targets in the region. The parties later reached a ceasefire agreement in April.
Washington and Tehran signed an agreement on June 18 concerning freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. However, the agreement could not be implemented because of disagreements over the strait’s security.
The United States resumed its attacks on Iran between July 8 and 24, while Tehran targeted military facilities and equipment in Arab countries that it identified as belonging to the United States. Following these developments, talks on safe passage routes for vessels resumed.
