Two oil tankers, the Saudi-flagged Amjad and the Panama-flagged Blue Lagoon I, were attacked on Monday in the Red Sea off the coast of Yemen, according to sources familiar with the incident.
Yemen’s Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for attacking the Blue Lagoon I with multiple missiles and drones but did not mention any involvement with the Amjad. The sources reported that the two ships were sailing close to each other when they were struck. Fortunately, both vessels were able to continue their journeys with no major damage or casualties.
The Amjad, owned by the Saudi national shipping company Bahri, did not immediately provide a comment on the situation. The supertanker has a maximum capacity of 2 million barrels. Similarly, the Greek company managing the Blue Lagoon I, Sea Trade Marine SA, was not available for comment. The Blue Lagoon I is a Suezmax tanker with a maximum capacity of 1 million barrels.
One source suggested that the Amjad was likely not the primary target. Saudi Arabia, the world’s leading oil exporter, has been increasingly concerned about Houthi missile attacks aimed at ships in the Red Sea. The Kingdom has been trying to disengage from the ongoing war in Yemen and its conflict with the Houthis, who are backed by Iran.
The Houthis began launching drone and missile strikes on Red Sea vessels in November, citing solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza conflict. In over 70 attacks, they have sunk two vessels, seized another, and caused the deaths of at least three seafarers.
The Joint Maritime Information Center, which monitors Houthi attacks, reported that three ballistic missiles hit the Blue Lagoon I on Monday, 70 nautical miles northwest of the Yemeni port of Saleef. The center speculated that the Blue Lagoon I was targeted due to recent port calls in Israel by other vessels within its company structure.
“All crew members on board are safe. The vessel sustained minimal damage and does not require assistance,” the center reported.
