Missile Incident Reported Near Ship in Red Sea, UK Maritime Body Confirms

Image Source: EUNAVFOR ASPIDES/Handout via REUTERS

On Sunday,  November 17th, 2024, a ship transiting the Red Sea, approximately 25 nautical miles west of Al-Mukha, Yemen, reported a missile splashdown in the water nearby, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency.

The UKMTO shared that the ship’s security officer relayed the incident and confirmed that the vessel and crew were unharmed. The ship continued its voyage to its next scheduled port of call without further complications. The vessel and its ownership details were not disclosed.

Track live ships at 

This alarming incident highlights ongoing tensions in the Red Sea, which has become a hotspot for maritime security concerns. Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi forces have intensified their attacks on commercial vessels in the region over the past year. These actions, according to the Houthis, aim to enforce a naval blockade against Israel and are framed as an expression of solidarity with Palestinians amidst the conflict in Gaza.

The Red Sea is a critical maritime corridor connecting Europe, Asia, and Africa via the Suez Canal. Any disruptions in this region can have far-reaching implications for global trade and security.

Maritime authorities continue to monitor the situation closely. Vessels transiting near Yemen are advised to maintain heightened vigilance and adhere to guidance issued by the UKMTO and other maritime security bodies.

The incident underscores the persistent risks commercial shipping faces in the region, with stakeholders urging for increased international collaboration to ensure maritime safety in these strategic waters.