Six dead in Red Sea attack on cargoship
IMO secretary-general called it an ‘indefensible attack’ on international shipping
The death toll has increased to six after two members of a rescue team were also killed in the attack
THE number of people killed in the latest Red Sea attack has risen to six, after the Yemeni coastguard confirmed two members of the rescue team also died when attending the scene.
The 2024-built, Tanzania-flagged, 520 dwt Tihamah (IMO: 1031329) was hit by three consecutive ballistic missiles, the Yemeni Ministry of Transport said, in the Bab el Mandeb on Tuesday (August 11).
Four crewmembers were killed in the attack, the ministry confirmed, including three Pakistani nationals and one Indonesian.
But a statement by the Yemeni coastguard said two members of the 2nd Naval Brigade of the National Resistance Forces (which are loyal to the Yemeni government) were killed while attending Tihamah.
According to the coastguard, the Houthis fired another missile while rescue teams were attending the scene and conducting search and rescue operations, killing two people and injuring three more of the rescue crew.
The coastguard claims a drone laden with explosives was also spotted approaching the vessel three hours after the initial attack, but it was intercepted by the NRF.
If the Houthis are indeed responsible for the attack, then these would be the first fatalities from an attack launched by the group in more than a year.
International Maritime Organization secretary-general Arsenio Dominguez called the incident an “indefensible attack on international shipping”.
“It is particularly troublesome that the most recent attack has taken place in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden area.
“I reiterate my call for shipowners and ship operators to thoroughly assess risks before transiting this and other regions and follow appropriate best management practices.
“Seafarers deserve to be protected and allowed to do their jobs in safety and security,” he said in a statement.
“I also urge the immediate and unconditional release of all seafarers who continue to be held captive following piracy attacks in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden region.
“Ensuring seafarer safety is a fundamental obligation under international law and a shared responsibility of the global community.”
