Greek ship survives missile attack in Red Sea, arrives safely in Aden

The Greek-flagged vessel Sea Champion safely reaches Aden after enduring a missile strike in the Red Sea

The Greek-flagged bulk cargo vessel Sea Champion arrived safely in Aden on Tuesday, after surviving an attack by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea.

According to Reuters, the attack likely occurred by mistake. The vessel, carrying corn from Argentina, was on its way to Aden, home to Yemen’s internationally recognized government.

U.S. and British forces have actively responded to the Houthi attacks, which began escalating in November and have caused increased shipping risks in the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandab strait. Despite their efforts, the attacks continue.

The U.S. military’s Central Command reported the Houthis launched two anti-ship ballistic missiles at the Sea Champion, causing minor damage. Concerns are rising over the safety of crews and vessels in the region.

The Sea Champion, which has delivered humanitarian aid to Yemen 11 times in the past five years, started unloading part of its 9,229-tonne corn cargo in Aden. It plans to continue to the Houthi-controlled northern Yemeni port of Hodeidah to offload the rest.

Another vessel, the Rubymar, remains a concern after a missile strike in the Gulf of Aden on Sunday. The crew evacuated, but fears of the ship sinking persist.

In response, the European Union has launched a naval mission in the Red Sea to protect navigation, and France is escorting some shipping traffic, including French-linked vessels.

These Houthi attacks, in solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, have led several major shipping companies to suspend transits through this critical maritime area, accounting for about 12% of global maritime traffic.

Source: Newsroom