Fuel Tanker in Flames: Houthi Missile Attack Oil Vessel in Gulf of Aden

Houthi rebels in Yemen targeted the British oil tanker Marlin Luanda in the Gulf of Aden, resulting in a missile strike that ignited a fire on board. The vessel, operated by commodities trader Trafigura, was carrying Russian refined oil. This marks the first direct attack on a commercial ship since the US and UK initiated strikes against the Iran-backed militants, who have been disrupting critical shipping routes in the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea.

The Houthi assault on the Marlin Luanda comes amid an escalating series of attacks on both commercial and military vessels. Earlier on the same day, the rebels fired an anti-ship ballistic missile at the USS Carney, a US Navy vessel in the Gulf of Aden. Fortunately, the Carney successfully intercepted the missile. In response, US forces launched a strike against a Houthi anti-ship missile aimed at the Red Sea.

Yahya Saree, the Houthi spokesperson, claimed responsibility for targeting the Marlin Luanda, referring to it as a “British oil ship.” While the vessel was indeed operating on behalf of Trafigura, its registered owner is Oceonix Services, based in the City of London. The attack stands out as one of the most damaging incidents among the 30-plus attempts by the Houthis against commercial ships since November.

Trafigura (a multinational commodity trading company) reported that the Marlin Luanda had been “struck by a missile,” with firefighting efforts underway to control the fire in one cargo tank on the starboard side. The ship was transporting “Russian origin” Naphtha, an oil product purchased below the international sanctions price cap.

The repercussions of Houthi attacks on vessels off Yemen’s coast are impacting global trade significantly. Shipping companies have witnessed a 90% decrease in container ship arrivals in recent weeks, prompting many to reroute vessels around the Cape of Good Hope, increasing journey times and costs substantially.

In a separate incident, the Houthi militants fired at least three missiles toward two US-flagged container ships, the Maersk Detroit and Maersk Chesapeake, accompanied by the USS Gravely. The Gravely successfully intercepted two missiles, leading Maersk, the world’s second-largest container shipping line, to redirect its US-flagged fleet away from the area.

The coordinated strikes by the US and UK against the Houthis aim to curb the group’s efforts to disrupt shipping through the Red Sea. The attacks involved hitting eight locations in Yemen, reflecting a continued effort by international forces to counter Houthi aggression.

As tensions escalate, the global shipping industry grapples with the aftermath of these attacks, forcing companies to rethink their routes and security measures. The situation remains fluid, with potential implications for international relations and trade dynamics in the region.