Product tanker ARDMORE ENCOUNTER was attacked in southern Red sea some 50 nm west of Hodeidah, Yemen, at around 0343 UTC Dec 13, when a boat approached tanker and opened fire. Security guards on board exchanged fire with attackers, and they fled. Later tanker was called by an entity which claimed itself to be Yemeni authority, and demanded tanker to sail to Yemeni waters. Tanker continued sailing, and two missiles fire fired from Yemeni coast, of which one was shot down by nearby Navy, another one exploded about a cable off tanker’s stern.
Crew are safe, tanker continued voyage from India to northern Europe, with cargo of jet fuel. Israeli businessman is having some 5% share in tanker ownership, and that was enough for Houthis to attack her.
Ship’s AIS track has some 5 hours gap, but is on since 1016 UTC.
UN and many countries short of openly, support HAMAS, meaning that they support Houthis, albeit indirectly.
The opinions expressed herein are the author’s and not necessarily those of News2Sea.
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