Red Sea incident: Hong Kong ship ablaze after explosion, crew evacuated

A Hong Kong-flagged container ship was struck by an explosion on January 21 while navigating the Red Sea, leading to a major fire and the subsequent abandonment of the vessel by its crew, maritime officials said.

The explosion occurred approximately 225 kilometers (140 miles) off the coast of Hodeida, a port city in Yemen controlled by Houthi rebels, Caliber.Az reports citing foreign media.

The Diaplous Group, a maritime firm, confirmed that the ship was drifting and engulfed in flames in the waters of the Red Sea. The cause of the fire remains unclear, though the region has been previously targeted by Houthi attacks.

Last week, the Houthis stated that they were scaling back their assaults following a ceasefire agreement in the Israel-Hamas war, but they did not immediately respond to the incident or claim responsibility for the explosion. The vessel, which has not been named, was carrying hazardous cargo, according to a maritime industry official, although further details about the cargo remain undisclosed.

The crew of the ship was rescued unharmed, and there were no immediate reports of casualties. Another maritime official, who requested anonymity, confirmed the crew’s safety after abandoning the vessel.

The Red Sea, a vital shipping corridor that connects Asia and Europe, has faced increasing threats due to Houthi attacks, which have raised concerns about the environmental impact on the region’s marine life and coral reefs. The repeated assaults and the risk of oil spills have contributed to a dramatic reduction in the number of ships passing through the area.

Since Houthi attacks began in November 2023, the number of vessels transiting the Red Sea has been halved, disrupting a crucial route for global energy shipments and trade. Prior to the escalation in violence, the region saw approximately $1 trillion worth of trade passing through annually. Despite the Houthis' pledge to limit their attacks, many shippers continue to avoid the Red Sea due to ongoing risks.

By Vafa Guliyeva