Greek ship disabled after Red Sea attack, fire onboard reported

A Greek-flagged vessel came under attack while sailing through the Red Sea, adding up to the security concerns for international shipping in one of the world’s busiest maritime corridors. The attack, which occurred 77 nautical miles southwest of Al Hudaydah, inflicted material damage but resulted in no casualties, according to a statement released by the Greek Ministry of Shipping and Island Policy on Wednesday.

The vessel’s captain reported that the ship was initially approached by two small crafts, with the first carrying three to five people and the second carrying around ten. Later, the vessel was struck by “an unknown projectile,” causing a fire and rendering the ship without engine power, according to the UK’s Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency. The incident represents a significant escalation in threats facing commercial vessels in the Red Sea.

Shipping Minister Christos Stylianidis described the attack as “a flagrant violation of international law” and expressed concern over the growing risks to global trade in the region. “Such actions endanger the lives of seafarers and disrupt the free movement of goods through critical maritime corridors,” Stylianidis said in a statement.

The Red Sea has become a flashpoint for attacks on shipping, particularly amid escalating tensions linked to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Houthi forces have increasingly targeted Israeli-linked vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, framing their attacks as acts of solidarity with Gaza in response to Israeli military actions since October 7 of last year.

This latest attack comes amidst broader international efforts to secure the Red Sea and protect critical trade routes. Earlier this year, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin launched Operation Prosperity Guardian, a multinational mission aimed at countering Houthi assaults on commercial ships.