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On Sunday, Israeli authorities reported the capture of a Japanese-operated cargo vessel by Yemen’s Houthi forces in the southern Red Sea, Dryad Global noted in its latest Maritime Security Threat Advisory (MSTA), which was released this week.
“This event was labeled by Israel as an act of terrorism influenced by Iran, raising concerns about the implications for global maritime safety,” Dryad stated in the MSTA.
“The Houthi faction confirmed intercepting a vessel in the same region, but claimed it was Israeli. Public shipping records link the vessel’s ownership to Ray Car Carriers, established by Abraham ‘Rami’ Ungar, a prominent Israeli businessman,” Dryad added.
“Yahya Saree, a spokesperson for the Houthi movement, issued a statement on social media warning that any ships affiliated with or supporting Israel would be considered legitimate targets by Yemen’s military,” it continued.
“Saree further asserted the independent actions of regional resistance groups, stating they represent their nations’ interests and operate autonomously,” Dryad noted in the MSTA.
“This comment follows Iran’s pattern of seizing foreign ships near the Straits of Hormuz for political objectives, although Tehran has recently applauded the actions of anti-Israeli ‘resistance’ groups while highlighting their operational independence,” the company went on to state.
In a statement posted on its website on November 20, NYK Line noted that, on the evening of November 19 in Tokyo, it was informed by Galaxy Maritime Ltd that a NYK-chartered pure car and truck carrier named ‘Galaxy Leader’ had been seized near Hodeida, Yemen, while sailing for India.
“No cargo was on the vessel,” NYK Line said in the statement.
“At 8.30 am today, NYK organized a crisis management center at its head office to gather information and manage this incident. As the vessel’s charterer, we are prioritizing the safety of the 25 crew members,” it added.
“We will report additional information as soon as it becomes available,” NYK Line continued.
In a statement posted on its site on November 19, United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), which describes itself as a Royal Navy capability with the principal purpose of providing an information conduit between military which (includes/security forces) and the wider international maritime trade, said it was aware of an incident west of Hodeida.
“Company Security Officer (CSO) reports they lost communications with the vessel, believed to have been boarded by unauthorized persons,” the statement said.
“CSO reports the vessel has been taken to Hodeida,” it added.
Dryad highlighted in its latest MSTA that the total number of incidents in the Indian Ocean so far this year stands at 12. That figure was flat compared to year ago figures, the MSTA outlined. The MSTA includes incidents such as approaches, attacks, hijackings, boardings, and being fired upon.
In a previous MSTA released back in May, Dryad highlighted that two incidents occurred within the Gulf of Aden.
“One incident south of Nishtun resulted in an exchange of fire between embarked security personnel and what was latterly claimed to be Yemeni coastguard personnel,” Dryad stated in that MSTA.
“In addition, a vessel has reported a sustained approach whilst in transit 300nm East of Socotra Island. Whilst no shots were fired or compromises of vessel or crew safety reported, this is the third such incident within 100nm in the last 12 months,” it added.
“An earlier report regarding the missing S/Y 30 MINUETS, which is alleged to have disappeared off the coast of the Yemeni Red Sea coast, has resulted in the vessel being located at Djibouti. The vessel is reported to have come under fire from unidentified persons offshore Yemen, resulting in damage to the vessel structure,” it continued.
Dryad Global releases its MSTA weekly. The report captures the global maritime security situation, Dryad’s site highlights.
To contact the author, email andreas.exarheas@rigzone.com
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