Two vessels catch fire after missile strikes off Yemen’s coast near Aden

Two vessels caught fire after being struck by projectiles off the coast of Yemen’s Aden, as reported by two U.K. maritime agencies on Sunday.

Increased maritime risks in the Gulf of Aden amid Houthi attacks

The British security firm Ambrey, confirmed that an Antigua and Barbuda-flagged general cargo ship was hit by a missile 83 nautical miles southeast of Aden. The missile strike resulted in a fire that was later contained.

Ambrey’s advisory note detailed that the ship, traveling southwest along the Gulf of Aden at 8.2 knots, was hit at its forward station, sparking a fire that was swiftly neutralized. A second missile was sighted but did not hit the vessel. During the incident, persons on small boats nearby opened fire on the ship. The vessel altered its course and increased speed, with no injuries reported.

In a separate incident 70 nautical miles southwest of Aden, another vessel was struck by an unknown projectile on its aft section, causing a fire. U.K. Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) stated that damage control efforts were underway and no casualties were reported. The vessel is continuing to its next port of call.