Yemen’s Houthi movement has claimed responsibility for a fresh attack on an oil tanker in the northern Red Sea, according to Ship & Bunker.
The Saudi-flagged tanker Wafa was reportedly targeted with multiple ballistic missiles off the coast of Yanbu, according to a statement from Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree posted on social media and cited by Ship & Bunker.
Eighth Tanker Targeted Since Blockade Began
Saree stated that this marks the eighth tanker the group has targeted since it declared a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia on July 22, according to Ship & Bunker. The spokesperson also claimed that at least 29 Saudi-linked vessels have either been blocked from transiting the Red Sea or forced to reverse course since the blockade was imposed.
The claim follows closely on the heels of another incident in the region. According to Ship & Bunker, the Indian-flagged vessel MSV Faize Noore Oliya sank off the coast of Yemen the previous day. India’s Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that all 13 Indian crew members aboard were rescued, Ship & Bunker reported.
Houthis Vow to Escalate
In his statement, Saree indicated the group intends to intensify operations against Saudi oil tankers moving through the northern Red Sea. “The Yemeni Armed Forces affirm that their operations will continue and escalate in targeting Saudi oil tankers in the northern Red Sea to close all access points and prevent their passage, thus establishing a blockade-for-blockade equation,” Saree said, as reported by Ship & Bunker.
No further details on damage to the Wafa or casualties were included in the available reporting.
Does This Matter to You?
Continued attacks on tankers transiting the Red Sea and waters off Yemen add to an already elevated risk environment for vessels operating in the region. Repeated targeting of Saudi-linked tankers, combined with claims of dozens of vessels being blocked or turned back, points to disruption risk for routing decisions, insurance considerations, and voyage planning through this corridor.
The sinking of another vessel in nearby waters within the same reporting window underscores that safety risks in the area are not limited to a single incident or vessel type. The direct operational and commercial impact of these specific claims, including any effects on bunkering demand or vessel diversions, is not detailed in the available source material.
Gulf Bunkering does not provide operational or security guidance. This article is for informational purposes only. Operators should consult flag state authorities, P&I clubs, and relevant advisories for decisions relating to transit planning.
Sources: Ship & Bunker
