On Aug 8 and 9, 2024, Houthi terrorists attacked the 'Delta Blue' 45 nautical miles south of Yemen in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. On Aug 8 an RPG exploded in close proximity at 2.03 p.m. GMT. A bright light and loud noise were observed by the crew. The RPG was apparently fired from one of two small boats, each with four people on board. The master reported a further attack by missile at 10:45 p.m. GMT on Thursday, which exploded in close proximity to the vessel. A third attack followed in the early hours of Aug 9, when the ship was the subject of a suspicious approach by a small boat and an unmanned surface vessel, or sea drone, also 58 nautical miles northwest of Hodeidah. The USV approached the vessel at rapid speed and guards on board displayed their weapons. When the USV continued to approach, the security team opened fire and was able to successfully destroy the weapon. A fourth attack has since been reported on the 'Delta Blue' on Aug 9 at 05:57 a.m. GMT with a missile landing nearby. Despite the string of attacks it suffered, the vessel and its crew are still reported to be safe and proceeding to the next port of call. There was no indication that the ship was connected to either the US, the UK or Israel, which are otherwise the Houthi militia's stated primary targets. In light of the attack, The British Navy's Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), urged all ships making the trip through the Red Harbor to be aware of any suspicious activity.
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ULTRA COLONSAY
On Aug 6, 2024, while the 'Ultra Colonsy' was sailing around 4.3 nautical miles from Pulau Cula in the Eastbound lane of the Traffic separation scheme of the Strait of Malacca and Singapore, the bulk carrier was boarded by a group of five to six armed robbers with knives, who were sighted in the engine room. Immediately, the alarm was raised, and the robbers escaped, stealing engine spare parts and the cellphone of a chief engineer. No injuries were reported, and the incident was reported to the Singapore Vessel Traffic Information System. The vessel was boarded by the Singapore Police Guard upon its arrival at the Singapore Anchorage, but found no perpetrators aboard.
CONTSHIP ONO
On Aug 7, 2024, Houthi terrorists said they attacked the 'Contship Uno' in the Gulf of Aden with ballistic missiles as well as two American destroyers. A speaker also said that the Houthi air force targeted the US destroyer, “Cole”, with a number of drones and the US destroyer, “Laboon” with a number of ballistic missiles. Contships Management said the vessel had not been hit and its crew were safe. U.S. military forces have struck at targets in Houthi-controlled Yemen in the past 24 hours, destroying two drones, a Houthi ground control station, and three anti-ship cruise missiles, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said.
GALAXY LEADER
The Philippines’ Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has reported ongoing efforts to secure the release of 17 Filipino crew members of the 'Galaxy Leader'. Three sailors were showing malaria symptoms and have been hospitalized. DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac provided updates during the News Forum in Quezon City on Aug 3, stating that the three ailing crew members were receiving medical care in a hospital, while the remaining 14 crew members were still on board the vessel, being fed and given their basic necessities on board the ship. The release of three hospitalized crew members was under negotiation, with the Department of Foreign Affairs engaging with governments that have communication channels with the Houthi terrorists and coordinating with the DMW for information and assistance. The Honorary Consul to Yemen Mohammad Saleh Al-Jamal was also seeking assistance from the Sana’a authorities for the release of Filipino crew members on humanitarian grounds due to their deteriorating health. He was planning to visit the 'Galaxy Leader', his first visit in about three months.
EARTH HARMONY
On July 21, 2024, at 3.40 a.m. the 'Earth Harmony‘ was boarded by three perpetrators armed with knives, at the Kuala Tanjung Anchorage in pos. 3° 26 N 99° 27' E. The crew was tied up, and the intruders stole engine spares. and escaped.