Bulker attacked by skiffs in Red Sea
Security sources say the perpetrators were likely fishermen or pirates, rather than the Houthis
The bulker’s security team exchanged small arms fire with 15 skiffs in the Bab el Mandeb before the vessel continued its journey southwards
A BULK carrier has been approached and fired on by 15 skiffs in the southern Red Sea.
Security sources in the region say Barbados-flagged, 31,896 dwt Bobik (IMO: 9317781) was approached and chased by the skiffs 14 nautical miles off Dhubab, Yemen on December 5.
A video obtained by Lloyd’s List shows the vessel’s armed security team exchanging small arms fire with the skiffs. No injuries have been reported by Bobik and the vessel continued its voyage southbound through the Red Sea.
The incident follows a lengthy period without an attack by the Houthis in the region. But security analysts suggest this attack is unlikely to be the instigated by Yemeni rebels.
The lack of serious intent from the attackers, as well as the location of the incident suggest the perpetrators are as likely to be local fishermen protecting their nets and lines as they are to be Somali pirates or Houthi militants.
Nonetheless, it will come as a concern for shipowners who may have been considering a return to the Red Sea following months of Houthi inactivity.
Lloyd’s List Intelligence data shows a gradual increase in the number of transits through the Bab el Mandeb chokepoint and the Suez Canal, with traffic last month at its highest level in nearly two years.
But the region is still extremely volatile, and many will need a lot more convincing before they deem it safe to return.
