Explosion reported near ship off Yemen, UK agency says

A British maritime security agency says an explosion was heard near a vessel sailing off Yemen, an area where Houthi forces have repeatedly targeted shipping since Israel’s war on Gaza began in 2023.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), which operates under the Royal Navy, said it received a report of an incident 120 nautical miles east of Aden.

According to the agency, the ship’s crew reported hearing a “splash and sound of explosion” nearby but confirmed that both the vessel and crew were unharmed and continuing their journey.

UKMTO described the incident as an “attack” but gave no details on who was behind it.

The Houthis, who control much of northern Yemen, have declared they are striking ships they say are linked to Israel. Earlier this month, the group said it launched a missile at a tanker in the Red Sea, days after Israeli strikes killed their prime minister and nearly half his cabinet.