An unidentified missile hit a Saudi-flagged tanker in the Red Sea, underscoring ongoing security threats to commercial shipping in the region.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) warned that the incident, which occurred about 63 nautical miles west of Yanbu, Saudi Arabia, led to a fire on the main deck of the vessel.
Maritime security firm Vanguard Tech said the tanker was Saudi-flagged and had been hit by a missile, putting the incident some 90-100 nautical miles west of Yanbu.
Crew safe.
Ambrey, a security company, said the vessel sent a distress alert after the attack. The Egyptian Navy was heading to the area, responding to the incident to help with the rescue operation.
UKMTO later confirmed all crew were safe and accounted for and that there was no environmental impact.
The identity of the attacker is unknown and no group has claimed responsibility at the time of reporting.
Saudi shipping raises rising concern
The location and type of vessel involved in the incident is consistent with recent attacks attributed to the Houthis, but there has been no official confirmation the group was behind this particular incident.
On July 20, the Yemeni group announced a blockade on Saudi shipping, and since then has attacked several commercial vessels in the area.
Earlier this month, the Houthis said they attacked two tankers on August 5 and 6 that had both recently called at Saudi ports.
The group also claimed responsibility for the deadly attack on the Tihamah tanker, which heightened fears among shipowners and operators about the hazards of Red Sea routes.
Security risks continue to be high
The latest incident highlights the challenges shipping companies are dealing with in traversing the Red Sea and surrounding waters.
As commercial vessels continue to face missile attacks and other security threats, operators are being forced to rethink routing decisions, security measures and the potential risks to crews, cargo and vessels.
The attack on the Saudi-flagged tanker adds another layer of uncertainty to regional oil movements and other maritime trade passing through the Red Sea.
