Loss of Contact with 23 Crew Members of the "True Confidence" Ship off Yemen

A maritime source reported today, Wednesday, that three crew members of the bulk carrier "True Confidence," flagged under Barbados, are missing, and four others have sustained serious burns after the ship was damaged off the coast of Yemen. The owner and operator of the True Confidence stated that a missile struck the vessel today, 50 nautical miles southwest of Aden, Yemen, and a fire is still burning aboard. An American official confirmed the death of two crew members after the ship was hit by a Houthi missile. Earlier, the UK Maritime Trade Operations had mentioned that a commercial vessel suffered damage in an attack in southern Yemen and that coalition forces are providing support. The ship’s owner indicated it was hit by a missile believed to have been fired by the Houthis in Yemen. A maritime source, requesting anonymity, noted that the ship appears to be abandoned. No group has immediately claimed responsibility for any attack. The UK Maritime Trade Operations reported receiving information about an incident 54 nautical miles southwest of the Yemeni coastal city of Aden. A U.S. defense official noted that smoke was seen rising from the True Confidence. The official, who asked not to be named, also reported that a lifeboat was spotted in the waters near the ship. Houthi attacks have disrupted global shipping, forcing companies to reroute to longer and more costly journeys around South Africa.