Chemical Tanker Struck by Missile - Rigzone News

Chemical Tanker Struck by Missile | Rigzone

Chemical Tanker Struck by Missile

In a statement posted on its website recently, AS J. Ludwig Mowinckels Rederi revealed that the MT Strinda chemical tanker was hit by a missile in the Red Sea, off Yemen, on December 11.

“The vessel was carrying a cargo of biofuel feedstock from South East Asia to Italy,” the statement said.

“Fortunately, there were no injuries to any member of the Indian crew, who managed to extinguish the fire. The crew and the ship were assisted by the U.S. and French navy and brought to safety and are still under protection by naval forces,” the statement, which was last updated on December 12, added.

“Our focus has been, and remains, the safety and well-being of the seafarers on board,” it continued.

In the statement, AS J. Ludwig Mowinckels Rederi noted that there is no Israeli link to the ownership or the management of the vessel.

“She was, however, tentatively nominated by her charterers for a cargo out of Ashdod in January. The contract was entered into three weeks ago, subject to no further escalations in the area,” the statement said.

“Owners had an option to cancel the contract if such a worsening of the situation would take place. Upon the recommendation of our security advisors, it was decided to withhold this information until the vessel and her crew were in safe waters,” it added.

AS J. Ludwig Mowinckels Rederi’s website highlights that the owner of the Strinda is Mowinckel Chemical Tankers AS.

In a security overview posted on its site this week, Dryad Global highlighted that the M/V Strinda “was struck by a missile approximately 60 miles north of the Bab-el Mandab Strait and 15 nautical miles west of Port Mokha, Yemen”.

“This attack resulted in a fire on board, which has since been extinguished. The vessel is now heading to a safe port. There are no reported casualties,” Dryad stated in the overview.

“The USS Mason, an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer along with a French military vessel, responded to the distress call,” it added.

“The missile was reportedly fired from Houthi-controlled territory in Yemen. The Houthis have claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that the vessel was targeted as it was allegedly transporting oil to Israel,” Dryad continued.

In the overview, Dryad noted that this incident underscores the persistent threat to shipping in the southern Red Sea, “particularly near the strategic Bab el-Mandab Strait”.

“This narrow chokepoint, flanked by Yemen, Djibouti, and Eritrea, is crucial for global shipping and trade, with approximately $1 trillion worth of trade passing through annually,” Dryad highlighted in the overview.

“Such attacks pose not only a regional geopolitical risk but a significant global economic threat. Late last week the Houthi’s expanded their threats to include all vessels transiting to and from Israeli ports,” it added.

All vessels operating in or transiting through the vicinity of the Bab el Mandab Strait are advised to exercise heightened caution, Dryad stated in the overview.

“The Houthi’s are also attempting to contact ships via VHF Channel 16 and advising them to change course, which happened in this incident,” Dryad added.

“It is crucial to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) along with allied Naval forces on VHF Channel 16. The situation in the region remains volatile, and adherence to recommended security protocols is essential for safe passage,” it continued.

Dryad noted in the overview that this incident “marks the second involvement of the USS Mason in similar events in the region within a two-week period, indicating an escalating pattern of missile attacks from Yemen”.

In a statement posted on its X page recently, U.S. Central Command (Centcom) said, “at around 4 p.m. EST on December 11, the Motor Tanker Strinda was attacked by what is assessed to have been an Anti-Ship Cruise Missile (ASCM) launched from a Houthi controlled area of Yemen while passing through the Bab-el-Mandeb”.

“The Strinda reported damage causing a fire on-board, but no casualties at this time. There were no U.S. ships in the vicinity at the time of the attack, but the USS Mason responded to the M/T Strinda’s mayday call,” it added.

In a release posted on its site last month, Centcom said, “on November 26, the USS Mason (DDG 87), with allied ships from our coalition counter-piracy task force (TF 151), and associated aircraft, responded to a distress call from the M/V Central Park, a commercial vessel, that they were under attack by an unknown entity”.

“Upon arrival, coalition elements demanded release of the vessel. Subsequently, five armed individuals debarked the ship and attempted to flee via their small boat. The Mason pursued the attackers resulting in their eventual surrender,” it added.

“At approximately 0141 on November 27 Sanaa time, at least one ballistic missile was fired from Houthi controlled areas in Yemen toward the general location of the USS Mason (DDG 87) and M/V central park,” it continued.

Centcom noted in that release that the missiles landed in the Gulf of Aden approximately ten nautical miles from the ships.

“The USS Mason (DDG87), which is part of the Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group, was concluding its response to the M/V Central Park distress call at the time of the missile launches,” it added.

“There was no damage or reported injuries from either vessel during this incident,” Centcom went on to state.

In the release, U.S. Centcom Commander Michael Erik Kurilla said, “maritime domain security is essential to regional stability”.

“We will continue to work with allies and partners to ensure the safety and security of international shipping lanes,” he added.

In a news item posted on its site on December 8, Centcom revealed that the USS Mason and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Murasame-class destroyer FS Akebono “conducted bilateral exercise in the Gulf of Aden” on November 25.

“Meeting at sea, the ships practiced a range of surface warfare events, including visit, board, search, and seizure (VBSS), helicopter deck landing qualifications (DLQ), divisional tactics (DIVTACs), and personnel exchanges,” the news item stated.

Mason’s Commanding Officer Justin B. Smith said in the news item, “Mason and Akebono sailing together demonstrated our shared resolve to maintain freedom of the high seas and open sea lines of communication”.

“Our combined presence sends a strong message to those who would challenge us as we continue to support global security,” he added.

To contact the author, email andreas.exarheas@rigzone.com

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Andreas ExarheasEditor | Rigzone

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