A Greek-managed bulker has been damaged after coming under suspected missile attacks by rebel Houthi missiles on at least two occasions on Tuesday, according to international media reports.
No group immediately claimed responsibility, but suspicion immediately fell on the Iran-backed Houthis, who have launched numerous attacks aimed at ocean-going vessels in the wake of Israel’s campaign against Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
The Yemen-based insurgents are believed to have hit the 82,300-dwt Laax (built 2012) with three projectiles on Tuesday, according to several reports.
The ship, which is managed a Piraeus-based firm, first issued a distress call via VHF Channel 16 in the morning as it was sailing 54 nautical miles (100 km) south-west of the Yemeni port of Hodeidah in the southern Red Sea, according to Tradewinds.
Additionally, the Royal Navy’s UK Maritime Trade Operations said the master of the ship reported “a further missile attack” in the afternoon.
The vessel was listing and taking on water, with one crew member suffering a head injury that required medical attention, the private security firm Ambrey stated.
According to Greece’s shipping ministry, the Marshall Islands-flagged vessel does have Greek merchant seamen aboard and is headed to its next port of call in the UAE.
The Houthi missiles, along with drone strikes and even harassing by speedboats, have caused a disruption of trade routes connecting Asia with Europe via the Red Sea and Suez Canal.
