Friday’s incidents involving three container ships in the Red Sea mean the Houthi rebels have widened their target criteria once again, security sources believe.
Germany’s Hapag-Lloyd said its 15,000-teu Al Jasrah (built 2016) was attacked off Yemen.
Meanwhile, security sources said the MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company-operated, 12,199-teu MSC Alanya (built 2021) was asked to change course by “Yemeni authorities”, while the 2,546-teu MSC Palatium III (built 2006) was involved in another incident.
The UKMTO said the master reported an explosion on board resulting in a fire that was extinguished.
Security company Ambrey Analytics said the MSC vessels were not directly affiliated with Israel at the time, and the German vessel had not called at an Israeli port in the last year.
But Ambrey said both companies have been involved in Israeli-affiliated trade in the past.
The Houthis have gradually stepped up their campaign.
At first, the group targeted Israeli-owned or affiliated ships, before widening their potential attacks to any vessel calling in Israel without aid for Gaza.
Now any past dealings in Israel by a shipping company appear to be enough to justify an attack or seizure attempt.
MSC has said only that there was no confirmed attack on its vessel.
Ambrey said it is understood the MSC Alanya, owned by Canadian tonnage provide Seaspan, was approached by one small white-coloured craft with a black top.
There were 10 people on board who declared themselves to be “Yemeni authorities”.
‘You are not allowed to proceed to Red Sea’
The vessel was warned by the Houthis to not proceed northbound, Ambrey reported.
The ship was told: “Captain, you are not allowed to proceed to the Red Sea. Alter your course to the south side, now.”
19 November: The car carrier Galaxy Leader is hijacked in the Red Sea.
24 November: Drones attack the container ship CMA CGM Symi in the Indian Ocean.
26 November: The tanker Central Park was briefly boarded in the Gulf of Aden. Would-be hijackers were captured by the US Navy after attempting an escape. Ballistic missiles were fired at the ship and the USS Mason in response.
3 December: The Unity Explorer, container ship Number 9 and Sophie II were targeted in drone and missile attacks.
12 December: The J Ludwig Mowinckels Rederi-controlled Strinda was hit by an anti-ship missile in the Red Sea.
13 December: An attempted boarding of the tanker Ardmore Encounter was followed by a failed missile strike.
14 December: The Maersk Gibraltar was unsuccessfully targeted by an anti-ship missile. A Navibulgar bulker is boarded in the Gulf of Aden.
The boxship had called at a floating armoury in the Red Sea before entering the Indian Ocean region.
The vessel later resumed its course and speed.
Security companies said the Al Jasrah was hit by a missile or a drone, suffering a fire. One box was lost overboard.
No casualties were reported.
“At no time were significant course changes observed and the vessel continued its voyage southbound,” Ambrey said.
