Norwegian ship hit by 'unidentified object' in Red Sea

AFP , Monday 18 Dec 2023

A Norwegian ship was hit by an "unidentified object" in the Red Sea on Monday, its owner said, as a series of shipping companies suspended transit of the seaway because of Yemeni rebel attacks.

Huthi military spokesman, Brigadier Yahya Saree, delivers a statement on the recent attacks against
Houthi military spokesman, Brigadier Yahya Saree, delivers a statement on the recent attacks against two commercial vessels in the Red Sea during a march in Sanaa in solidarity with the Palestinians. AFP

 

The MT Swan Atlantic was carrying biofuel feedstock from France to Reunion Island when it was struck, Norway's Inventor Chemical Tankers said.

"Fortunately, there were no injuries to any members of the Indian crew, and the vessel has reported limited damage to the vessel," a statement said.

"The crew and the ship are now being assisted by the US Navy and will be brought to safety under protection by naval forces," it added.

Houthi rebels have fired on passing ships in the Red Sea in a show of solidarity with Hamas in the Palestinian militant group's conflict with Israel.

The near-daily drone and missile attacks in the Bab al-Mandeb strait between Yemen and Eritrea and Djibouti have led several major shipping companies to redirect their vessels around Africa, a longer and far more costly route.

On Monday, British oil giant BP became the latest to suspend transit through the Red Sea.

Inventor Chemical Tankers said its vessel has "no Israeli link in the ownership" and was managed by a Singapore firm.

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