A Saudi company-owned tanker, the Encelia, was attacked and caught fire while sailing in the Red Sea, as reported by the official Saudi Press Agency. The incident caused a fire at the ship’s bow, but all crew members aboard were reported safe. Authorities in Saudi Arabia have taken necessary measures to secure the vessel, protect the crew, and safeguard the marine environment.
The attack, which took place about 70 nautical miles southwest of Al Shuqaiq, Saudi Arabia, in the southern Red Sea, was confirmed by a United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations advisory. Yemen’s Houthi group claimed responsibility for the attack on two Saudi oil tankers, including the Encelia, alleging violations of their maritime restrictions using missiles and drones.
The Houthi group had imposed a maritime ban on Saudi-linked vessels, accusing Saudi Arabia of blockades in areas under their control. This incident highlights the escalating security concerns along the Red Sea shipping route towards the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, potentially impacting global maritime trade routes.
Shipping analytics firm Kpler noted a significant decrease in vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait following the security threats. Concerns over continued attacks in these strategic maritime chokepoints could lead to route changes, increased freight costs, and heightened geopolitical risks in global energy markets.
