The Greek-owned coal carrier, Tutor, was struck by missiles and an explosive-laden remote-controlled boat last Wednesday. Since then, the vessel had been taking on water. Maritime debris and oil have been sighted in the Tutor's last reported location, according to a UKMTO security update.
The ship's manager was not immediately available for comment. One crew member, who was in the engine room at the time of the attack, is still missing.
This incident follows the sinking of the U.K.-owned Rubymar on March 2, which went down about two weeks after being hit by missiles.
The UKMTO report also comes a week after the Houthis seriously damaged two other ships: the Liberia-flagged vessel and the Palau-flagged Verbena, which was carrying wood construction materials. The crew of the Verbena abandoned the ship due to a fire caused by the attacks. The Verbena is now drifting in the Gulf of Aden and is at risk of sinking or further attacks.
In response to last week's attacks, U.S. and British forces conducted airstrikes on Yemen's Hodeidah International Airport and Kamaran Island near the port of Salif on Monday.
The Iran-aligned Houthis have been attacking commercial ships in the Red Sea since November, claiming these actions are in support of Palestinians in Gaza. These attacks have forced shipping companies to divert vessels from the Suez Canal to a longer route around Africa, causing delays and increasing costs in global trade.
In November, the Houthis seized another ship, the Galaxy Leader cargo vessel. On Tuesday, the ship's manager renewed calls for the release of the 25 crew members, who have been held for seven months. The Galaxy Leader was attacked by helicopters on November 19, and its crew, including sailors from Bulgaria, the Philippines, Ukraine, Mexico, and Romania, were captured. STAMCO Ship Management, the vessel's operator, has appealed for the immediate release of the crew, stating that there is no benefit for the Houthis in keeping them detained.
