An explosion has occurred on a Hong Kong-flagged container ship in the Red Sea, causing a major fire that led to the crew abandoning the vessel. The incident took place approximately 225 kilometers off the coast of Hodeida, a port city in Yemen controlled by the Houthi rebels, according to the Diaplous Group, a maritime firm.
The cause of the fire is currently unknown, and it remains unclear whether it was a result of an attack by the Houthis, who have previously targeted the Red Sea. The rebels had recently announced a reduction in their assaults following a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza, although they have not claimed responsibility for the ship fire.
Fortunately, the crew members were safely rescued after abandoning the ship, which was described as carrying 'dangerous' cargo. The specific details of the cargo have not been disclosed, and the name of the vessel has not been released to the public.
The Red Sea, known for its rich coral reefs and marine life, has been under threat from previous ship fires caused by Houthi attacks, raising concerns about potential oil spills and environmental damage. The ongoing attacks by the rebels since November 2023 have significantly impacted maritime traffic in the Red Sea corridor, a vital route for energy shipments and cargo transportation between Asia and Europe.
Despite the Houthis' announcement of reduced attacks, many shippers continue to avoid the Red Sea route due to security risks. Prior to the attacks, the region facilitated approximately $1 trillion worth of trade annually, highlighting the economic significance of the area for global commerce.
