Oil tanker heading to India struck by missile in Red Sea assault

Yemen-launched missile strikes Panamanian tanker M/T Pollux in Red Sea en route to India with crude oil

A missile in the Red Sea targeted a Panamanian-flagged oil tanker en route to India, as confirmed by the U.S. State Department Friday.

The rocket, originating from Yemen, struck the M/T Pollux on its left side, as per the State Department’s report.

Earlier the same day, the U.K. Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) and British maritime security company Ambrey reported an incident involving a Panama-flagged tanker approximately 72 nautical miles northwest of the Mokha port in Yemen.

Ambrey mentioned the vessel sustained minor damage, with the crew reported as safe and unharmed. 

The State Department spokesperson condemned the attack as another instance of unlawful assaults on global maritime traffic, persisting despite numerous calls for the Houthis to halt such actions.

The M/T Pollux set sail from Novorossiysk, a Black Sea city in Russia, on Jan. 24, with its destination set for Paradip, India, where the Indian Oil Company operates a significant oil refinery.

The vessel, owned by Oceanfront Maritime Co SA and operated by Sea Trade Marine SA, did not provide immediate responses to inquiries. 

An adjacent ship, located three nautical miles northeast of the M/T Pollux, was observed changing its course toward the port, moving away from the affected tanker, according to Ambrey.

The Yemen-based Houthi group, supported by Iran, has vowed to continue targeting Red Sea vessels in solidarity with the Palestinians, citing Israeli actions as justification for their attacks.

Houthi leader Abdulmalik al-Houthi highlighted the impact of their operations, claiming success and triumph during a televised address on Thursday.

These maritime incidents have disrupted global trade, raised inflation concerns and heightened fears of broader conflict stemming from the Israel-Hamas conflict. 

 Source: Newsroom