Updated: MSC ship hit in latest missile attack
Crew extinguishes blaze on board after second of two missiles strikes boxship in Gulf of Aden
Liberia-flagged, 2,169 teu containership MSC Sky II is the latest victim of Houthi attacks. Militants continue to target commercial ships in the region following the first vessel sinking over the weekend
HOUTHI militants have hit an MSC boxship traversing the Gulf of Aden.
The 1999-built, Liberia-flagged, 2,169 teu MSC Sky II (IMO: 9162277) was the subject of two missile attacks reported by the UK Maritime Trade Operations 91 nautical miles southeast of Aden at 1250 hrs GMT.
The UKMTO said the ship’s master reported two explosions. The first exploded a distance from the vessel’s port quarter, while a second struck and damaged the ship. The report added that crew were fighting fire and smoke on board, with no casualties.
MSC has since confirmed the attack to Lloyd's List in a statement.
"During her passage from Singapore to Djibouti, MSC Sky II was hit by a missile," it said.
MSC also noted a "small fire" on board which had since been extinguished, while confirming that no crew were injured
"She is currently continuing her journey to Djibouti and will arrive today for further assessment," MSC told Lloyds List.
Houthi spokesman Yahya Saree said the group carried out an operation targeting what it called an “Israeli ship”.
He also claimed that the attack in the Arabian Sea used “a number of suitable naval missiles, and the hit was accurate and direct”.
It came hours after Houthi forces launched missiles and drones at US warships in the Red Sea.
The latest Houthi strike comes after the group laid claim to its first vessel casualty since its missile bombardment in the Red Sea against commercial shipping in response to the war in Gaza.
The Belize-flagged bulker Rubymar (IMO: 9138898), which was hit by two Houthi missiles last month while transiting the Red Sea, finally sunk over the weekend.
