Rocket attacks against shipping off Yemen coast

There is a continuing threat to shipping from missile attacks from the Yemen coast.  On Wednesday 21st December another attack killed seven Pakistani seafarers when their Iranian general cargo ship Jouya 8 en route from Egypt to Dubai was hit and caught fire. The ship exploded and sank with the chief officer the only survivor.

Previous attacks have struck shipping in the area between Mokha and the Bab al-Mandab strait.  American warship USS Mason was also the subject of an attack by two missiles from the coast although neither reached their target.

The variety of ships coming under fire suggests there is no pattern to the attacks which are not just limited to attacks from rebel held areas.  Earlier this month local press reported six Pakistani sailors killed when their ship was attacked by Saudi jets off the Yemen coast near Mokha. 

Members are reminded of the need to comply with the coalition forces controls for shipping entering Yemen waters.  A separate article on this website provides guidance on obtaining the necessary permissions for merchant shipping.

There is also a concern at a resurgence of pirate activity in the area after the LNG carrier "Galicia Spirit" was attacked with ROGs from a small craft close to Perim Island in the Bab al-Mandab strait.