20-7-2024 (SINGAPORE) A Singapore-flagged container vessel, the LOBIVIA, fell victim to an attack by Iran-aligned Houthi militants in the Gulf of Aden on Friday, 19 July. The incident, which occurred southeast of Yemen, has raised fresh concerns about the safety of international shipping lanes in the region.
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) reported that they were alerted to the attack at approximately 10:30 am. The LOBIVIA was struck by “unidentified projectiles”, resulting in a fire onboard. In a display of commendable skill and composure, the crew successfully extinguished the blaze, averting a potentially catastrophic situation.
Mercifully, all crew members have been accounted for and reported safe, with the MPA confirming that no Singaporeans were among the ship’s complement. Despite sustaining damage, the LOBIVIA demonstrated remarkable resilience, managing to continue its journey and dock at Somalia’s Berbera Port for assessment and potential repairs.
The attack was later claimed by Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea, who stated in a televised address that the group had launched a combination of ballistic missiles and drones towards the vessel. This claim aligns with reports from the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations, which detailed that the LOBIVIA endured two separate missile strikes on its port side, approximately 154 kilometres southeast of Aden, Yemen.
British security firm Ambrey provided additional insight, noting that a nearby merchant vessel observed “light and blast” in the LOBIVIA’s vicinity. The attacked ship reportedly engaged in evasive manoeuvres and deactivated its automatic identification system about an hour after the incident, likely as a precautionary measure.
This attack is part of a troubling pattern of aggression by Houthi militants since November, targeting shipping lanes in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The group claims these actions are in solidarity with Palestinians affected by the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Their campaign has resulted in two vessels being sunk, another seized, at least three sailors killed, and significant disruption to global trade routes.
The incident follows closely on the heels of another attack earlier in the week, where the Liberia-flagged oil tanker Chios Lion was forced to abort its journey in the Red Sea due to Houthi aggression, raising concerns about potential environmental damage from oil spills.
In response to these ongoing threats, Britain and the United States have been conducting retaliatory strikes since February, targeting Houthi drone launches and attack sites in Yemen. However, the persistence of these maritime assaults suggests that a more comprehensive international approach may be necessary to secure these vital shipping lanes.
The MPA has stated that it remains in close contact with the LOBIVIA’s vessel manager to provide any necessary assistance. Additionally, the Republic of Singapore Navy has alerted its security partners in the Gulf of Aden region, ensuring a coordinated response to any further developments.
