At least two crew members of a Liberian-flagged bulk carrier were tragically killed and two more injured as Yemen’s Houthi rebels resumed their attacks on vessels in the Red Sea. The Greek-owned ship, which was carrying a cargo of wheat, was targeted by the rebels while passing through the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a crucial shipping lane connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden.
This recent attack has once again raised concerns about the safety of ships passing through the Red Sea, a vital route for global trade. The Houthis, who are currently engaged in a civil war with the Yemeni government, have been known to target commercial vessels passing through the area. This has resulted in several ships being damaged and crew members being injured or killed.
The Liberian-flagged bulk carrier, named MV Athens Bridge, was on its way from Ukraine to Saudi Arabia when it came under attack. The ship’s owner, Athens-based shipping company, Eurobulk, confirmed the incident and expressed their condolences to the families of the deceased crew members. The injured crew members were immediately evacuated and are currently receiving medical treatment.
This is not the first time that the MV Athens Bridge has been targeted by the Houthis. In 2017, the ship was hit by a rocket while passing through the same area, resulting in significant damage to the vessel. The recent attack has once again highlighted the vulnerability of ships passing through the Red Sea and the need for increased security measures.
The Bab al-Mandab Strait is a strategic chokepoint for global trade, with over 4 million barrels of oil passing through it every day. Any disruption to the shipping traffic in this area can have a significant impact on the global economy. The recent attack on the MV Athens Bridge is a reminder of the importance of ensuring the safety and security of ships passing through this crucial route.
The Greek-owned ship was not the only vessel targeted by the Houthis in the recent attack. A Saudi oil tanker, MT Abqaiq, was also hit by a Houthi missile, causing minor damage to the ship. The Saudi-led coalition, which has been fighting against the Houthis in Yemen, has accused the rebels of deliberately targeting civilian ships in the Red Sea.
The resumption of attacks on commercial vessels by the Houthis has raised concerns among the international community. The United Nations has called for an immediate ceasefire in Yemen to prevent further loss of life and damage to ships passing through the Red Sea. The UN has also urged all parties involved in the conflict to respect international maritime law and ensure the safety of commercial vessels.
The attack on the MV Athens Bridge is a tragic reminder of the dangers faced by seafarers who work tirelessly to keep the global economy moving. These brave men and women risk their lives every day to transport goods across the world’s oceans. It is the responsibility of all nations to ensure their safety and security while they are at sea.
The Greek-owned ship, MV Athens Bridge, will now be remembered as a symbol of the sacrifices made by seafarers in the face of danger. The crew members who lost their lives in this attack will be honored and remembered for their bravery and dedication to their work. The shipping industry must come together to demand better protection for ships passing through the Red Sea and to put an end to these senseless attacks.
In conclusion, the recent attack on the MV Athens Bridge is a tragic incident that has once again highlighted the dangers faced by ships passing through the Red Sea. It is imperative that all parties involved in the conflict in Yemen respect international maritime law and ensure the safety of commercial vessels. The international community must work together to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict and ensure the safety of seafarers who play a crucial role in keeping the global economy afloat. Let us honor the memory of the crew members who lost their lives in this attack by working towards a safer and more secure future for all ships passing through the Red Sea.
