In an incident involving Iran-backed Houthis, a US-owned cargo ship was struck after the rebels fired a three-rocket barrage.

One of the missiles hit the port side of the vessel “from above,” while the other two failed to reach the sea. This attack occurred shortly after a US warship intercepted a cruise missile launched by the Houthi rebels.

The US Centcom reported that the three missiles were launched from near Hodeida, a Red Sea port city under Houthi control, around 4 pm Sanaa time.

Maritime risk firms Ambrey and Dryad Global identified the targeted vessel as the Eagle Gibraltar, a bulk carrier flagged in the Marshall Islands and owned by a US entity.

Ambrey stated that the attack was in retaliation for US military strikes on Houthi positions in Yemen, emphasizing that it specifically targeted US interests, The Sun reported.

The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that one missile hit the port side of the vessel from above, causing a fire in one of the holds. Despite the impact, the bulker remained seaworthy.

Satellite-tracking data revealed that the Eagle Gibraltar, originally bound for the Suez Canal, abruptly changed its course at the time of the attack. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the ship will proceed with its journey.

The vessel is owned by Eagle Bulk, a company based in Stamford, Connecticut, listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

The firm has not responded to multiple requests for comment.

Authorities are currently investigating the incident and have advised vessels in transit to exercise “extreme caution” while reporting any suspicious activity to UKMTO.

Written by B.C. Begley

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