According to the tanker's operator, Trafigura, the vessel was hit by a missile, causing a fire in one of its cargo tanks. Efforts are underway to contain the blaze using firefighting equipment.
The Houthi movement in Yemen claimed responsibility for the attack, citing it as a response to what they referred to as "American-British aggression against our country."
The US military confirmed the incident, attributing it to Iranian-backed Houthi terrorists firing an anti-ship ballistic missile.
Thankfully, no injuries were reported, as mentioned in a statement by US Central Command. This incident marks the latest in a series of attacks on commercial shipping by the Iran-backed Houthis in the Red Sea region.
The group claims to be targeting vessels in support of Palestinians in Gaza amid the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
In response to previous attacks, the US and UK, supported by several other countries, have launched air strikes on Houthi targets.
The Marlin Luanda, registered under the Marshall Islands flag, is operated by Trafigura, a multinational trading company based in Singapore, with the vessel's operator listed as Oceonix Services Ltd, a UK-registered company.
Vessel Information
IMO: 9829899
Name: MARLIN LUANDA
General vessel type: Tanker
Detailed vessel type: Oil Products Tanker
Summer DWT: 109991 t
Length Overall x Breadth Extreme: 249.9 x 44 m
Year built: 2018
