UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said in an incident report that on 30 August, around 17:00 UTC, two missiles exploded near the 2002-built 2,500 TEU Groton, 130 nautical miles east of Aden.
UKMTO said, “The master reports all crew members are safe and proceeding to the next port of call. Investigations are ongoing. Vessels are advised to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity to UKMTO.”
Groton, which CMA CGM has chartered from Greek owner Conbulk Management, was targeted less than a month, on 3 August. Nobody was hurt in that incident, although the ship had to be repaired.
S&P Global’s vessel-tracking data shows that Groton had been drifting around Djibouti.
Another of CMA CGM’s chartered ships, the 2,078 TEU Lobivia also experienced an onboard fire after a Houthi attack between 18 and 19 July, but no one was hurt.
As the Gaza War continues, the Houthis have been unrelenting in their attacks, even as their 21 August assault on Delta Tankers’ loaded Suezmax tanker Sounion has allegedly resulted in oil spillage.
Martina Li
Asia Correspondent
