UKMTO Attack 106 on the MT Delta Blue. Map courtesy UKMTO
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations office has reported a rare rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) attack on a commercial vessel in the Bab-el-Mandeb strait.
The Master of the vessel reported that an RPG exploded in close proximity to the ship, launched from two small craft—one white and one black—each carrying four individuals wearing white and yellow raincoats. Despite the explosion, the vessel and its crew remained unharmed and the ship is continuing to its next port of call.
The ship has been identified as the Liberian-flagged crude oil tanker Delta Blue, managed by Athens-based Delta Tankers. AIS shows the ship departed Al Basrah, Iraq and is sailing to Greece.
The incident occurred on Thursday, approximately 45 nautical miles south of Al Mukha, Yemen, an area where Iranian-backed Houthi rebels have been targeting commercial ships using missiles and drones.
EOS Risk Group pointed out that Yemen, especially the Houthi-controlled region of Hodiedah, is currently experiencing inclement weather and flooding, which may affect the Houthis’ ability to launch attacks from shore.
Authorities are currently investigating the attack.
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