The missile launched from Yemen hit the M/T Pollux on
its port side, according to the State Department. Earlier on Friday, the United
Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency and British maritime security
firm Ambrey said a Panama-flagged tanker had reportedly been hit 72 nautical
miles (133 km) northwest of the port of Mokha, off Yemen.
“The vessel …
reportedly sustained minor damage. The crew was reported safe and unharmed,”
Ambrey said.
“This is yet another example of the lawless attacks on
international shipping, which continue after numerous joint and international
statements calling the Houthis to cease,” a State Department spokesperson said.
M/T Pollux embarked from Russia’s Black Sea port city
of Novorossiysk on Jan. 24 and was due to discharge in Paradip, India, on Feb
28, according to LSEG data. Indian Oil Company has a 300,000 barrels per day
(bpd) oil refinery at Paradip, in eastern Odisha state.
The ship is owned by Oceanfront Maritime Co SA and
managed by Sea Trade Marine SA, according to LSEG data. Representatives from
those firms did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Another vessel
three nautical miles to the northeast of the M/T Pollux was observed altering
course to port, away from the tanker, Ambrey said.
Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis have said they will press
on with attacks on Red Sea shipping in solidarity with the Palestinians, as
long as Israel continues to commit “crimes” against them. “Our operations have a big impact on the enemy which constitute a great
success and a real triumph,” Houthi leader Abdulmalik al-Houthi said in a
televised speech on Thursday.
The attacks on
ships have disrupted global commerce, stoked fears of inflation and deepened
concern the Israel-Hamas war could spread.