On October 1, 2024, two vessels were damaged following missile and sea drone attacks near Yemen’s Red Sea port of Hodeidah, according to maritime security agencies and monitoring sources.
Both crews were reported safe.
The first incident involved the Panama-flagged tanker M/T Cordelia Moon, which was struck by an unmanned surface vessel (USV) approximately 64 nautical miles northwest of Hodeidah, as reported by the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).
Ambrey, a British security firm, and the Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC) confirmed that the vessel, which was in ballast, sustained damage to its port-side tank. Despite this, it continued its journey to the next port of call.
Earlier, the M/T Cordelia Moon had observed four splashes in the water nearby, which a maritime security source identified as failed missile attacks.
According to Ambrey and other maritime security sources, a missile struck the second vessel, a Liberia-flagged bulk carrier, about 97 nautical miles northwest of Hodeidah. The bulk carrier was damaged while en route to the Suez Canal.
Authorities are investigating both incidents.
Yemen’s Houthi militants, backed by Iran, claimed responsibility for the attack on the Cordelia Moon. They reported using eight ballistic and winged missiles, a drone, and an unmanned surface vessel.
The group also claimed to have attacked a third ship, the Marathopolis, in the Indian Ocean with a drone and a winged missile.
The Houthis have been targeting international shipping near Yemen since November, stating that their actions support Palestinians in the ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel.