Industry Groups Call for Action as Houthi Attacks on Red Sea Shipping Reach Crisis Levels

By Madz Dizon

Jun 20, 2024 01:22 AM EDT

Industry Groups Call for Action as Houthi Attacks on Red Sea Shipping Reach Crisis Levels — In an aerial view, container ships sit docked at the Port of Oakland on May 21, 2024 in Oakland, California. Container shipping rates have surged nearly 30 percent as ships continue to be diverted from the Red Sea due to attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels.
(Photo : Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Immediate measures need to be implemented in the Red Sea to address the alarming incidents of merchant shipping attacks by Yemen's Houthis, as emphasized by prominent industry organizations on Wednesday (June 19), following the unfortunate sinking of another vessel.

Over 70 Houthi Attacks in Red Sea

In November, Houthi militants initiated drone and missile strikes on a significant trade route, claiming it was an act of solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.

Over 70 attacks have occurred, resulting in the capture of a vessel and its crew, as well as the tragic loss of at least three seafarers.

According to Reuters, Israel initiated its military operation in October following a series of attacks by militants, resulting in the loss of numerous lives and the abduction of many individuals.

According to the Ministry of Health, there have been a significant number of casualties in Gaza as a result of Israeli attacks, with a large number of Palestinians losing their lives and many others being injured.

The Tutor Sinks After Multiple Attacks, Crew Evacuated

The Tutor experienced two separate incidents on June 12. It was initially hit by a smaller boat and then struck again by an unidentified airborne object, as reported by the UKMTO.

Last week, US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that one crew member was missing following the attack.

Following the evacuation of the ship's entire crew, the vessel started drifting and eventually sank on Tuesday, as reported by the UKMTO.

A Houthi spokesperson previously alleged that the ship had come under attack from various sources, including a sea drone, ballistic missiles, and other drones, due to its alleged violation of their self-proclaimed "ban to the occupied Palestinian ports."

International naval forces have been deployed to offer primarily defensive assistance for ships continuing their journey through the Red Sea, however, the frequency of attacks has seen a significant rise, CNN reported.

According to sources in the insurance industry, there is growing concern regarding the utilization of attack drone boats by the Houthis.