Tanker Sinks Off Yemen Coast Amid Rising Houthi Threats

An abandoned tanker that was adrift off the coast of Yemen in June has reportedly vanished and is believed to have sunk. This incident marks the latest loss in the strategically vital Red Sea region, Reuters highlights.

As informed, the area, a crucial shipping route from Europe to Asia, is deemed high-risk due to ongoing attacks by Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi rebels. Since October, these militants have conducted over 70 assaults on merchant vessels, purportedly in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.

Last week, maritime security sources suggested that the abandoned tanker, named the Lavant, likely encountered engine failure and began taking on water. However, it was unlikely targeted by the Houthis, as per two sources.

Sovcomflot, a Russian shipping group, confirmed last week that one of its vessels responded to a distress call, rescuing the crew off the southern Yemeni coast on June 23. The crew had evacuated using a life raft.

Naval and maritime security sources indicated on Wednesday that the Lavant likely sank after drifting for several days. Whether the vessel was carrying fuel remains unclear, and efforts to reach its owner for comment have been unsuccessful.

Houthi militants in the Red Sea have previously sunk two vessels, captured another, and caused casualties among seafarers. They currently hold the crew of one abducted ship.