Saudi-Owned Vessel Catches Fire After Attack In Red Sea, All Crew Safe

A Saudi-owned commercial vessel was targeted while sailing in the Red Sea, causing a fire at its bow, but all crew members were safe, Saudi authorities said on Thursday.

The Saudi Transport General Authority (TGA) said the vessel ENCELIA was struck while sailing in the Red Sea. It said all crew members were safe and that the relevant authorities had taken the necessary steps to secure the vessel, protect its crew and safeguard the marine environment.

Commercial shipping continues to face security threats in the Red Sea, one of the world’s key maritime trade routes.

According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), an official source at the TGA said the attack caused a fire at the vessel’s bow.

“The relevant authorities have taken all necessary measures to secure the vessel, safeguard its crew, and protect the marine environment,” the source said.

The official said the attack violated international laws and conventions that guarantee the safety of commercial vessels and their crews.

Saudi state broadcaster Al Ekhbariya also reported that the attack caused a fire on board ENCELIA and confirmed that no crew members were injured.

Earlier, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), the British naval security monitoring agency, said a tanker reported being struck by a projectile about 70 nautical miles southwest of Al-Shuqaiq on Saudi Arabia’s west coast.

Saudi authorities later confirmed that the targeted vessel was ENCELIA.

The incident follows a statement by Yemen’s Houthi rebels that they were imposing a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia, a move that has been widely criticised by regional states.

Saudi authorities have not released further details on the extent of the damage to ENCELIA or the circumstances of the attack. They said the vessel has been secured, the crew remains safe, and measures are in place to protect the marine environment.

References: saudigazette, emirates247