Two more Houthi strikes reported on Monday

Houthi forces attacked two US-owned cargo vessels, the Sea Champion (IMO 9299915) and the Navis Fortuna (IMO 9404455), in the Gulf of Aden on Monday February 19^th, according to a spokesman for the Houthi militia.

United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) had reported that a vessel sustained “superficial damage” after being hit by a drone in the Red Sea, 60nm north of Djibouti. UK-based security consultant Ambrey said that a Marshall Islands-flagged bulk carrier (which matches with the Navis Fortuna) was physically damaged by an unmanned aerial vehicle in an incident approximately 60nm north of Djibouti.

The attack on the Sea Champion was strange, given that the vessel was apparently carrying grain to Yemen.

It was unclear if the two incidents reported by UKMTO and Ambrey were related to the same vessel.

The attack resulted in minor damage to the vessel’s accommodation superstructure, UKMTO said in an advisory note, adding that “the crew are reported to be safe and the vessel is proceeding to its next port of call”.

Further north, two drones followed a merchant vessel in the Red Sea, west of Saudi Arabia’s Jizan, in a suspicious approach, but the ship continued its journey safely, UKMTO said on Monday. The two Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) followed the vessel for about 30 minutes, according to UKMTO.

“The UAS were assessed to be at a height of 100 m above the vessel and are now reported to have cleared the area. Vessel and crew are safe,” the note said.

Meanwhile, it was reported that on the Sunday the bulk carrier Master (IMO 9628099), which was en route from Kandla (officially Deendayal Port Authority) to Suez, reported an explosion in the immediate vicinity on February 17^th in the Red Sea. All crew members were reported safe. The incident occurred 35nm from Al Mukha on the coast of Yemen. The ship dropped anchor after the incident.

2005-built, Greece-flagged, 28,171 gt Sea Champion is owned by Sea Champion Marine Inc care of manager Mega Shipping Ltd of Piraeus, Greece. It is entered with American Club on behalf of Sea Champion Marine Inc.

As of February 8^th the vessel was en route from Rosario, Argentina, carrying grain to Aden, Yemen.

2010-built, Marshall Islands-flagged, 24,165 gt Navis Fortuna is owned and managed by Maritime Atlantic Spirit LLC of Majuro, Marshall Islands. ISM manager is Aries Shipmanagement SAGL of Lugano, Switzerland. It is entered with American Club on behalf of Maritime Atlantic Spirit LLC. As od February 19^th the vessel was in the Gulf of Aden, heading from Ennore, India (departed February 4^th) to Ravenna, Italy (ETA February 29^th).

2013-built, Liberia-flagged, 44,619 gt Master is owned by Master Seatrade SA care of manager Delek Transport Agency Inc of Piraeus, Greece. It is entered with American Club on behalf of Master Seatrade SA.