British maritime security company "Ambrey" reported today, Wednesday, that "a vessel reported an explosion near a cargo ship owned by an American entity, flying the Barbados flag off the port of Aden in southern Yemen." Ambrey mentioned that an entity claiming to be the "Yemeni Navy" contacted the ship, which was about 57 nautical miles southwest of Aden, and ordered it to change its course. The UK's Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) also reported the incident.
An American defense official stated, "Smoke was seen rising from the bulk carrier (True Confidence), which is flying the Barbados flag off the southern coast of Yemen near Aden." The official, who requested anonymity, told Reuters that "a lifeboat was also seen in the waters near the ship," without providing further details.
Since November, Houthi fighters in Yemen have been launching drone and missile attacks on ships in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandab Strait, and Gulf of Aden in solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza war.
