The Houthis stated they launched a missile strike on the tanker Scarlet Ray over an alleged Israeli link.
The Houthi terrorist group stated that it launched a missile at an oil tanker off the coast of Saudi Arabia in the Red Sea on Aug. 31.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) center, which monitors shipping incidents in the Gulf of Aden and the southern Red Sea, stated that it received a report of an incident 40 nautical miles southwest of Yanbu, Saudi Arabia.
“A Master has reported to UKMTO that they witnessed a splash in close proximity to their vessel from an unknown projectile and heard a loud bang,” it stated on Aug. 31.
“All crew are safe and the vessel continues on its voyage. Authorities are investigating. Vessels are advised to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity to UKMTO.”
Houthi-run Yemeni Armed Forces spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree claimed responsibility for the attack in a prerecorded message aired on Al-Masirah, a Houthi-controlled satellite news channel.
Saree said the vessel, the Scarlet Ray, had ties to Israel. According to MarineTraffic, the Scarlet Ray is a 145-meter (476-foot) soil and chemical tanker sailing under the flag of Liberia.
BLRT Repair Yards said in a recent post that the Scarlet Ray is owned by Singapore-based Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS), an international ship management company.
EPS is ultimately controlled by Israeli billionaire Idan Ofer.
Maritime security firm Ambrey described the ship as fitting the Houthis’ “target profile, as the vessel is publicly Israeli owned,” according to The Associated Press.
A spokesman for EPS told The Epoch Times by email that the company was aware of security reports alleging that the Scarlet Ray was the target of an attack.
“We confirm that the vessel has not sustained any damage and continues to operate under the command of its Master,” he said. “All crew members onboard the Scarlet Ray are safe and accounted for.
“EPS is monitoring the situation closely in coordination with the relevant authorities and security advisers. The safety of our crew remains our highest priority. At this time, no further operational details will be shared.”
By Owen Evans
