The Houthi movement has targeted a Maersk container vessel with missiles and small boats, prompting Maersk to announce a temporary pause on all Red Sea sailings for 48 hours, as stated on Sunday.
The attacked vessel, Maersk Hangzhou, reported that its crew was safe and there was no indication of fire onboard. The vessel remained fully manoeuvrable, continuing its journey north to Port Suez, according to Maersk’s official statement.
Earlier, on December 19, the United States initiated Operation Prosperity Guardian, with over 20 countries reportedly participating to safeguard ships in Red Sea waters near Yemen. Despite Maersk’s announcement on December 24 to resume Red Sea sailings, attacks persisted, and several US allies hesitated to publicly commit to the coalition, with nearly half not declaring their presence.
In response to the recent attack on Maersk Hangzhou, one of the world’s major cargo shippers, Maersk declared a 48-hour delay on all transits through the area. The vessel was struck by a missile approximately 55 nautical miles southwest of Al Hodeidah, Yemen, on Saturday at around 1730 GMT.
Subsequent to this, a US warship intercepted two more anti-ship ballistic missiles fired from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen, according to the US Central Command (CENTCOM).
Following the initial missile attack, Houthi militants launched another assault on Maersk Hangzhou, using four small boats. The vessel’s security team and helicopters from the USS Eisenhower and USS Gravely, responding to distress calls, thwarted an attempted boarding by returning fire, according to statements by Maersk and CENTCOM.
During the engagement, three of the militant boats were sunk by the helicopters, with no survivors reported. The fourth boat fled the area, as reported by CENTCOM.
The Maersk Hangzhou, flagged by Singapore and capable of carrying 14,000 containers, was en route from Singapore during the incident.
