Houthi Attack on MSC Container Vessel in Red Sea
Houthi Attack on MSC Container Vessel in Red Sea
On March 4, an MSC-operated container vessel was attacked by Houthi insurgents while transiting the Red Sea. According to U.S. Central Command, the MSC Sky II, built in 1999 with a capacity of 2,169 TEU, was attacked at 2:15 a.m. local time, approximately 91 nautical miles southeast of Aden, Yemen. The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that the vessel departed the area and proceeded toward its next port, with the ship and all crew members safe. A fire broke out on MSC Sky II as a result of the attack. UK security firm Ambrey disclosed that two missiles were fired at the vessel, with the first striking some distance from the ship and the second damaging the crew accommodation areas. The crew was reported to be combating the fire that erupted on board.
\nAccording to AIS data, MSC Sky II, en route from Singapore to Djibouti, continues on its course. MSC Sky II was one of the vessels aggressively purchased by MSC during the COVID-19 pandemic when freight rates reached historic levels. This attack followed the March 2 sinking of the Handysize-type cargo vessel Rubymar, which was also attacked by the Houthis. Since November 2023, Iran-backed Houthis have been attacking commercial vessels transiting the Red Sea in response to the Israel-Gaza conflict, particularly targeting container ships. Vessels continuing to transit the Red Sea have been forced to broadcast AIS messages stating they are not heading to Israel or carried exclusively Chinese crews. The Rubymar, built in 1997 and operated by Beirut-based Blue Fleet Group, became the first vessel targeted by the Houthis to sink. Following the attack, the water-damaged vessel was evacuated of its 24-member crew comprising 11 Syrians, 6 Egyptians, 4 Filipinos, and 3 Indians.
\nKey Points
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MSC Sky II was attacked by Houthi insurgents in the Red Sea.
\n The vessel and crew are safe; a fire broke out and the crew fought to contain it.
\n The attack occurred while the vessel was en route from Singapore to Djibouti.
\n MSC Sky II is one of the vessels purchased by MSC during the pandemic.
\n Houthis are attacking vessels in the Red Sea in response to the Israel-Gaza conflict.
\n Rubymar became the first vessel to sink as a result of Houthi attacks.
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News Link: https://container-news.com/houthis-hit-msc-vessel-in-gulf-of-aden-with-missile/