Footage published by the Houthis from the takeover of the Galaxy Leader ship/documentation on social networks pursuant to Article 27A of the Copyright Law
A Norwegian tanker was attacked in the Red Sea off the coast of Yemen on Monday in an attack that U.S. officials attributed to Houthi rebels. At the same time, British Petroleum (BP), one of the world's largest, announced that its ships would stop using this route until further notice.
Today's attack targeted the M/V Swan Atlantic tanker, the latest in a series of proposed attacks against vessels in the area since the start of the war in Gaza. The Houthis have not claimed responsibility, but U.S. officials said the ship was hit by multiple launches from Houthi-controlled territory. The ship's owner said it was hit by an "unidentified object" and added that there were no injuries among the crew.
The company operating the ship, which was carrying vegetable oils en route to Réunion Island, said the crew put out a small fire that broke out after it was hit on the left side. Øystein Elgan, chief executive of the company that owns the tanker, told Reuters it had no ties to Israel, though the Houthis said they only targeted vessels sailing to Israel or having ties to it.
Houthi rebel boats escort Galaxy Leader after seizing control of it in the Red Sea, November 20, 2023/Reuters
U.S. officials said a Navy destroyer responded to distress calls from the ship. In recent days, American, British and French ships have intercepted missiles and drones launched by the Houthis towards the Red Sea.
US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, who began his visit to the region in Israel today, is expected to announce the establishment of a multinational naval force to deal with the threat of Houthi rebels, who control the northern part of Yemen.
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