Merchant Vessel Attacked Near Yemen, No Casualties Reported

A merchant vessel was struck by a missile 125 nautical miles east of Yemen's Aden port. British agencies confirm there were no fires, water ingress, or oil leaks, and the crew is safe. The incident follows Houthi attacks that have disrupted global shipping routes.

A merchant vessel was hit by a missile 125 nautical miles east of Yemen's port of Aden, yet 'no fires, water ingress, or oil leaks were observed,' according to confirmations from British maritime agency UKMTO and security firm Ambrey on Saturday.

Initial reports from UKMTO and Ambrey suggested the vessel might have been attacked with an unknown explosive, possibly leading to a fire. However, no injuries were reported, and the crew was confirmed safe, as per advisory notes from both organizations.

UKMTO identified the vessel as the MV GROTON, involved in a previous incident 170 nautical miles east of Aden. Ambrey corroborated this, noting that the vessel had been targeted earlier in the day and reported a nearby explosion.

On Saturday, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the destruction of a Houthi missile and launcher in Yemen. If claimed by the Houthis, these would be the first incidents since Israel's retaliatory airstrike in Hodeidah.

The ongoing Houthi attacks have incited U.S. and British countermeasures and caused disruptions in global trade, as shipping routes are adjusted to avoid the Red Sea and Suez Canal. The Iran-aligned Houthis have targeted international shipping since November in solidarity with Palestinians amidst the Israel-Hamas conflict.

(With inputs from agencies.)