Houthi rebels made repeat attacks on container ships owned by Maersk and MSC, nearly two weeks after those same vessels were targeted.
On 24 April, the US-flagged 2,500 TEU Maersk Yorktown was targeted, but the anti-ship ballistic missile (ABSM) was shot down by the US military.
The US Central Command said that at 11:51 am Yemen time on 24 April 24, its vessel took down the ABSM that was launched from Iran-backed Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen over the Gulf of Aden.
Maersk Yorktown, which carries out feedering between Oman and Djibouti, was manned by 22 seafarers, comprising 18 Americans and four Greek nationals. There were no injuries or damage reported by Maersk Yorktown and the US naval ship.
Separately, between 12:07 pm and 1:26 pm, the US Navy shot down four drones over Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen.
On 25 April, a missile landed close to Portugal (Madeira)-flagged, 1999-built, 6,078 TEU MSC Darwin VI, which serves MSC’s Petra service between Sri Lanka and the Red Sea. The vessel, attacked 15 nautical miles southwest of Aden, was due to arrive in Djibouti on 26 April.
UK Maritime Trade Operations stated that MSC Darwin VI’s master reported hearing “a loud bang”, followed by a “splash and smoke seen coming from the sea”.
No damage to MSC Darwin VI or injuries to its crew occurred, and the ship and its seafarers are receiving help from military authorities in the area.
Both ships were first targeted on 9 April. Maersk Yorktown, which was escorted by the US navy, dodged the earlier assault.
Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree said that MSC Darwin VI was targeted as it is an “Israeli” ship.
Maersk and MSC have not responded to Container News’ request for comment.
Martina Li
Asia Correspondent
