A civilian mariner is missing in the Red Sea after the crew of the cargo carrier M/V Tutor was struck by Houthi militants on Wednesday. The attack caused severe flooding and damage to the engine room, leading the crew to abandon ship and be rescued by US and partner forces. The ship is still in the Red Sea and taking on water, drifting from its last reported position. The crew of the Palauan-flagged, Ukrainian-owned, Polish-operated cargo ship M/V Verbena was struck by Houthi militants on Thursday in the Gulf of Aden, resulting in severe injuries to a civilian mariner and fires on board. The wounded mariner was evacuated by aircraft from a nearby US warship, while the crew managed to put out the fires and continue their journey.
CENTCOM condemned the actions of the Iranian-backed Houthi militants, stating that their continued attacks on ships in the region threaten stability and endanger the lives of mariners in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The Houthis claim to be acting on behalf of Palestinians in Gaza, yet their actions target individuals who have no involvement in the conflict. These attacks disrupt international commerce and make it challenging to deliver much-needed aid to the people of Yemen and Gaza. The Houthis have launched numerous missiles and drones at ships since October, including an attack that killed three crew members on the M/V True Confidence in March. Despite US and UK strikes against the Houthis in Yemen, their attacks have not ceased.
In response to the ongoing threat posed by the Houthis, the United States, along with partners, will continue to hold them accountable and work to degrade their military capabilities. The US and UK have conducted multiple rounds of strikes against the Houthis in Yemen, with the most recent being carried out last week. However, the Houthis have persisted in their attacks on ships in the region, demonstrating a lack of willingness to halt their actions. The focus remains on working collaboratively with international partners to address the threat posed by the Houthis and ensure the safety of mariners in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
The attack on the M/V Tutor and subsequent actions by the Iranian-backed Houthis have raised concerns about the safety of maritime travel in the region. With multiple incidents involving ships being targeted by militants, there is a growing sense of insecurity for mariners navigating the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The US has been actively engaged in responding to these attacks and providing assistance to affected ships and crews, emphasizing the importance of maintaining security and stability in the area. Efforts to address the ongoing threat posed by the Houthis are essential in protecting the lives and livelihoods of those working in the maritime industry in the region.
The incidents involving the M/V Tutor and M/V Verbena highlight the dangers faced by civilian mariners operating in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The attacks by Houthi militants have had serious consequences, including injuries to crew members and damage to ships. The actions of the Houthis have been condemned by the international community, with calls for accountability and efforts to prevent further attacks on innocent individuals. The US and its allies remain committed to addressing the threat posed by the Houthis and ensuring the safety of maritime travel in the region, reinforcing the importance of cooperation and collective action in responding to security challenges in the maritime domain.
The ongoing attacks by Houthi militants in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden underscore the need for continued vigilance and coordinated efforts to address maritime security concerns in the region. The incidents involving the M/V Tutor and M/V Verbena serve as a stark reminder of the risks faced by civilian mariners operating in these waters. The US and its partners are committed to taking action to hold the perpetrators of these attacks accountable and prevent further threats to maritime safety. By working together to address the challenges posed by groups like the Houthis, the international community can help protect the lives and livelihoods of those who rely on safe passage through these critical waterways.
