A Greek-owned coal carrier has reportedly capsized in the Red Sea after being struck by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels, as per a report from the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). The MV Tutor is believed to be the second ship sunk by Houthis since March, following the downing of the British-registered vessel Rubymar. The Red Sea and Gulf of Aden have seen numerous missile and drone attacks by the rebels since Israel's invasion of Gaza in response to attacks by Hamas in October.
Since the conflict escalated, tensions have risen across the Middle East, with regional actors condemning the humanitarian crisis resulting from Israeli bombardment of Gaza. The Tutor was initially hit by a smaller boat on June 12 and then struck by an unknown airborne projectile, leading to one crew member going missing. The entire crew was evacuated before the ship reportedly sank on Tuesday.
A Houthi spokesperson claimed the ship was attacked for violating a ban on occupied Palestinian ports, using sea drones, ballistic missiles, and other drones. The sinking was acknowledged by Houthi-run news outlet Al Masirah. CENTCOM criticized the Houthis for targeting third-country nationals and hindering international commerce, making it difficult to provide assistance to Yemen and Gaza.
Recently, CENTCOM launched attacks on Houthi radars to counter their assaults on ships in the Red Sea. The situation remains tense as the conflict between various factions in the region continues to impact maritime activities and humanitarian efforts.
