There has been no claim of responsibility for the presumed attack in the area where Yemen's Houthis have targeted ships linked to Israel, in a campaign since November in solidarity with Palestinians facing the brutal Israeli war in Gaza.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency, run by Britain's Royal Navy, said a ship reported it was "hit by two unknown projectiles" before "a third explosion occurred nearby".

The incident occurred 70 nautical miles northwest of the port of Al-Salif in Hodeida.

"Damage control is underway," UKMTO said, reporting that "are no casualties onboard and the vessel is proceeding to its next port of call".

The Houthi attacks have disrupted maritime traffic thorough the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, areas that are vital to global trade.

The United States and Britain have struck Houthi targets in Yemen since January, but it has done little to deter the rebels.

* This story has been edited by Ahram Online.