The missile attack on a British tanker ‘Marlin Luanda’ in the Gulf of Aden led to the rescue of 1 Bangladeshi and 22 Indian crew members after it was hit by a Houthi missile, according to reports from the BBC.
“It is our duty to protect freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and we remain as committed to that cause as ever.”
– Grant Shapps, UK Secretary of State for Defence
Trafigura, the company operating the vessel, confirmed the safety of all crew members and reported that the fire in a cargo tank had been extinguished. The ship is currently en route to a safe harbour. The Yemeni group claimed responsibility for targeting the Marlin Luanda in response to what they described as ‘American-British aggression.’ Assistance to the vessel was provided by French, Indian, and US naval ships.
The Houthi’s Missile Menace
On the evening of January 26th, 2024 around 7:45 p.m. according to local time in Sanaa, an anti-ship ballistic missile launched by Iranian-backed Houthi militants originated from Yemeni territory under their control. The targeted vessel was the M/V Marlin Luanda, bearing the flag of the Marshall Islands, which sustained significant damage upon impact. A distress signal was promptly issued by the ship to report the incident and the extent of the damage incurred.
The Indian Navy’s guided-missile destroyer received the initial distress call from the merchant vessel after it was hit by the missile. The destroyer aided in firefighting efforts on the cargo ship. This missile strike occurred amid heightened concerns over the Houthi militant’s increasing attacks on merchant vessels in the Red Sea during the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Previously, on January 18th, a merchant vessel with Indian crew members was targeted by drones in the Gulf of Aden. In response to the distress call, India deployed INS Visakhapatnam, which intercepted the vessel and provided assistance. Additionally, on December 23rd, the Liberian-flagged MV Chem Pluto, with 21 Indian crew members, was attacked by drones off India’s west coast. Another commercial oil tanker on a route to India also faced a suspected drone strike in the Southern Red Sea on the same day, carrying a crew of 25 Indians.
US, UK Conduct Airstrikes Against Houthis
In response to attacks on ships in the Red Sea region, the US and the UK have conducted airstrikes against Houthi targets. According to UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps, the strike was ‘intolerable and illegal’.
“It is our duty to protect freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and we remain as committed to that cause as ever,” he stated on X.
Oceonix Services Ltd, a business registered in the United Kingdom, is identified as the operator of the Marlin Luanda. This is the Houthis’ most recent assault on commercial vessels in the Red Sea region. According to the group, it is attacking nearby vessels in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, where Israel is engaged in combat with Hamas.
A representative for the Houthis asserted in a statement that the Marlin Luanda was a British vessel that was attacked in retaliation for “American-British aggression against our country”.
A statement from the UK government stated that it and its allies “reserve the right to respond appropriately” and that any attacks on commercial vessels are “completely unacceptable”.
That “these unlawful actions have nothing to do with the conflict in Gaza” was stated by the US Central Command.
“Israel is not associated with the ship or its crew. The Houthis have opened fire in the Red Sea without warning, striking ships that are affecting more than 40 nations worldwide, according to a statement from Centcom.
The incident took place 60 nautical miles southeast of Aden, according to UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). Other vessels were cautioned to pass cautiously and report any unusual behavior.
The Red Sea is one of the busiest shipping channels in the world, and the Houthis have attacked commercial ships passing through it on dozens of occasions since November.
Shipping Challenges: Red Sea
Roughly 12% of global trade navigates through the Red Sea annually, amounting to over $1 trillion (£790 billion) in value. However, numerous shipping firms have opted to avoid the region entirely. Numerous mammoth container ships, some exceeding 300 meters (984 feet) in length, now choose to take a lengthy detour around the African continent rather than traversing the Red Sea and the Suez Canal on voyages from Asia to Europe. Yet, rerouting such massive vessels poses significant logistical challenges, often consuming substantial time and resources.
Elsewhere, the severe drought affecting the Panama Canal and the conflict in Ukraine—which has disrupted grain shipments via the Black Sea—are also constricting global supply chains. Adaptation and redirection are imperative, albeit accompanied by significant financial and environmental consequences.
In November of last year, the Houthis commandeered a car carrier, broadcasting the incident globally. Their use of explosive weaponry has also targeted container ships, bulk carriers, and narrowly missed a Russian oil tanker—the latter seemingly an unintended target. Military efforts by the US and UK aimed at safeguarding ships and deterring the Houthis have also intensified.
Beyond the threat to human life, navigating through such turbulent conditions entails heightened insurance premiums, potential legal entanglements, and unpredictable delays. The cargo transported by these vessels often holds immense value, ranging from millions to hundreds of millions of dollars. Hence, it’s unsurprising that many shipping companies have opted to redirect their vessels elsewhere in numerous instances.
Yemen Conflict Escalates: Biden’s Warning
Since 2014, the Houthi rebels have engaged in conflict with the internationally recognized government of Yemen, gaining control over much of the northern territory, including the capital, Sana’a, by 2015. They have confronted a Saudi-led coalition providing air and ground support to the government.
The ongoing conflict in Yemen has triggered a severe humanitarian crisis, leaving millions grappling with famine, disease, and displacement. Despite calls from the United Nations for a ceasefire and political resolution, the opposing factions have failed to broker a lasting peace deal.
President Joe Biden has issued a stern warning to the Houthi rebels, cautioning that further airstrikes will be ordered if they persist in targeting international shipping in the Red Sea. He underscored that the recent airstrikes, conducted in collaboration with the UK and other allies, were prompted by the Houthi’s unprecedented use of anti-ship ballistic missiles, posing a significant threat to US personnel, civilian mariners, and allied partners.
In a statement, Biden emphasized his commitment to safeguarding both American citizens and the unimpeded flow of global commerce, vowing to employ any necessary measures for their protection. He condemned the Houthi’s actions as “reckless and irresponsible,” urging them to cease hostilities and embrace peaceful dialogue.
