Armed attack on merchant vessel reported in Red Sea: UKMTO

ADEN, Yemen, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) — A maritime attack on a merchant vessel following an armed approach occurred approximately 77 nautical miles west of Yemen’s Red Sea port city of Hodeidah, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported on Wednesday.
According to the UKMTO, the oil products tanker Sounion was subject to an armed approach and subsequent attack, resulting in the ship being rendered “not under command.”
The UKMTO said the Greek-flagged vessel initially contacted authorities at 0257 GMT to report an approach by two small watercraft. The first craft was observed to have three to five occupants, while the second carried about 10 individuals. The situation escalated when the approaching craft attempted to hail the merchant vessel, leading to a brief exchange of small arms fire.
The merchant vessel also reported sustaining impacts from two unidentified projectiles, and that a third projectile subsequently struck the vessel, leaving it in a state described as “not under command,” according to the UKMTO.
Preliminary reports indicated that there were no casualties. The UKMTO has issued an advisory to all vessels transiting the area, urging heightened caution and prompt reporting of any suspicious activities.
Nobody has claimed responsibility for the incident. ■