Media: Chemical tanker targeted by Houthis near Saudi coast, crew unharmed

A Liberian-flagged chemical tanker was confirmed to be undamaged and fully operational following reports of a suspected missile attack by Yemen’s Houthi militia near the Saudi Arabian coast. The vessel, Scarlet Ray, remains under the control of its captain, with all crew members reported safe.

Singapore-based Eastern Pacific Shipping, the company managing the vessel, issued a statement in response to the incident, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

“We are aware of security reports alleging that our managed vessel Scarlet Ray was the target of a suspected Houthi attack,” the company said. “We confirm that the vessel has not sustained any damage and continues to operate under the command of its master,” it added, noting that “all crew members were safe and accounted for.”

The missile strike reportedly occurred near the Red Sea port city of Yanbu, a key maritime hub along Saudi Arabia’s western coastline.

Earlier in the day, Yemen’s Houthi movement claimed responsibility for the launch, stating that a missile was fired at what they identified as an Israeli-owned vessel.

The Scarlet Ray is managed by Eastern Pacific Shipping, which is owned by Israeli shipping magnate Idan Ofer. The Ofer family has played a pivotal role in building Israel’s maritime industry, with the company’s founder, the late Sami Ofer, widely regarded as a cornerstone of Israeli shipping history.

By Vafa Guliyeva