A civilian mariner remains missing in the Red Sea, two days after the crew of a cargo carrier struck by Houthi militants abandoned ship, according to US Central Command. The incident occurred when the Liberian-flagged, Greek-owned and operated ship, the M/V Tutor, was targeted in a surface-sea drone attack on Wednesday. This attack caused severe flooding and damage to the engine room, leading the crew to abandon ship. Fortunately, the crew was rescued by US and partner forces, including the USS Philippine Sea.
Despite the rescue operation, the cargo ship, M/V Tutor, is still in the Red Sea and is currently taking on water. The vessel is drifting from its last reported position, as confirmed by the UK Maritime Trade Operations.
In a separate incident on Thursday, Iran-backed Houthi militants targeted another cargo ship, the M/V Verbena, in the Gulf of Aden with two missile attacks. This resulted in severe injuries to a civilian mariner and fires on board. The wounded mariner was evacuated by aircraft from a nearby US warship, while the crew of the cargo ship managed to extinguish the fires and continue their journey.
CENTCOM has condemned the actions of the Houthi militants, stating that their behavior poses a threat to regional stability and endangers the lives of mariners in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The ongoing attacks by the Houthis have disrupted international commerce and hindered the delivery of much-needed assistance to the people of Yemen and Gaza.
Since October, the Houthis have launched numerous missiles and drones at ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, resulting in casualties and damage. Despite efforts by the US and UK to target the Houthis in Yemen and degrade their weapons supplies, the militants have shown no signs of halting their attacks.
CENTCOM has affirmed that the United States will continue to work with partners to hold the Houthis accountable and diminish their military capabilities in order to ensure the safety of maritime activities in the region.
