A container ship operated by SeaLead Shipping was attacked by Houthi missiles and drones on 20 July. The 2006-built, 5,059 TEU vessel Pumba was deployed to SeaLead’s Five Seas Express service connecting China to the Red Sea and the Mediterranean.
Vessel-tracking data shows Pumba departed Saudi Arabia’s port of Jeddah on 17 July and was likely heading towards Egypt’s Port Said.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations said that missiles, an air drone and a sea drone assaulted the ship, which sustained mild damage. None of the crew were hurt.
Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree said Pumba was targeted because it is an “American” ship.
The Houthis are now widening their target range. On 19 July, a Houthi drone hit an apartment block in Tel Aviv, Israel, killing a civilian. Yahya said the drone used is a novel type that can evade detection. However, the Israelis struck back and on 20 July, bombed the Yemeni port of Hodeidah.
S&P Global’s data shows that the Liberia-flagged Pumba is registered to a Liberian entity, Pumbaa Shipping Inc. However, Container News understands that the ship is controlled by Singapore-based Draco Buren Shipping.
A SeaLead spokesperson told Container News: “Pumba is a chartered vessel and was subject to a minor attack while transiting Red Sea without causing any casualty or damages to the crew, the ship, and her cargo. Ship is safe and proceeding toward her destination. Both SeaLead and the owners have implemented strict precautions including armed guards.”
Martina Li
Asia Correspondent
